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<p>At a zoo in Poland, a tiny deer took on a two-ton rhinoceros in an unbelievable face-off that has left the internet in splits. People cannot believe the courage shown by the deer that weighs only about 22 kg against such a mammoth rival that easily weighs nearly 2,000 kg. A video of the strange fight was released by the Wroclaw Zoo, where the two animals faced off against each other. Maruska the rhino and Mundzak the Chinese muntjac deer have wowed netizens, and the video has garnered millions of views on social media. Posting the video on Instagram, the Wroclaw Zoo wrote, “Someone probably forgot to look in the mirror this morning. Respect for Maruska for her angelic patience! Where does this bravado come from in the male Chinese muntjac?” The video shows the tiny deer running towards the rhino and butting heads. Maruska also plays along and sways its head and charges back at the minuscule creature. The deer goes for another attack, and soon enough, the rhino leaves the field. Mundzak also quickly exits the area.</p><h2><strong>Watch the video of the rhino and the deer fighting each other</strong></h2>

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<p>&nbsp;</p><p>The rhino then runs off to another area in the enclosure, and the deer takes off in the other direction, apparently winning the so-called fight. The zoo explained what was going on between the two creatures. Apparently, &nbsp;the Chinese muntjac deer has a surge in testosterone and needs to release it somehow. So, it decided to take on a mighty opponent without being concerned about the difference in their sizes. "It's the call of nature! His partner is in heat, and testosterone is surging through the male. He needs to release his energy and show who's in charge – even if his sparring partner weighs 1.7 tons. Who would have thought that such a warrior lurks in this small body?" the zoo explained in the caption.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The zoo later told people in a video that the rhino and deer are friends, posting a video of them grazing together, along with Mundzak's partner. The zoo said the rhino and the deer are very popular across the world. "The video filmed by their caretaker already has over 12 million views on our profile alone," it wrote. The zoo also said that the deer has a nickname among caregivers, and is known as "Daddy Munchkin". "Rhinos with munchkins have lived together in our zoo for years; they have separate bedrooms, but a common ‘yard.’ They ate hay together from more than one plate and, as you can see, there is usually full agreement here,” the post stated.</p>

At Poland's Wroclaw Zoo, a 22 kg deer took on a 1,800 kg rhino in a fight to show who is in charge and release built-up energy. The video of the animals butting heads has garnered millions of views on social media. Find out who won the bout. 

At a zoo in Poland, a tiny deer took on a two-ton rhinoceros in an unbelievable face-off that has left the internet in splits. People cannot believe the courage shown by the deer that weighs only about 22 kg against such a mammoth rival that easily weighs nearly 2,000 kg. A video of the strange fight was released by the Wroclaw Zoo, where the two animals faced off against each other. Maruska the rhino and Mundzak the Chinese muntjac deer have wowed netizens, and the video has garnered millions of views on social media. Posting the video on Instagram, the Wroclaw Zoo wrote, “Someone probably forgot to look in the mirror this morning. Respect for Maruska for her angelic patience! Where does this bravado come from in the male Chinese muntjac?” The video shows the tiny deer running towards the rhino and butting heads. Maruska also plays along and sways its head and charges back at the minuscule creature. The deer goes for another attack, and soon enough, the rhino leaves the field. Mundzak also quickly exits the area. Watch the video of the rhino and the deer fighting each other

<p>At Poland's Wroclaw Zoo, a 22 kg deer took on a 1,800 kg rhino in a fight to show who is in charge and release built-up energy. The video of the animals butting heads has garnered millions of views on social media. Find out who won the bout.&nbsp;</p>

22kg deer butts heads with 2,000kg rhino at Polish zoo. See who won | VIDEO

<p>China on Monday (Jan 12) once again sought to lay claim to the Shaksgam Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, which India insists remains an 'integral and inalienable' part of its territory. Rejecting India's claim over the Shaksgam Valley, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing considers the area to be part of its territory. This comes as India on Friday (Jan 9) slammed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, noting that it passes through Indian territory that is under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-in-the-crosshairs-as-trump-announces-25-tariff-on-iran-trade-partners-protest-death-toll-rises-to-648-1768273204068"><strong>India in the crosshairs as Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran trade partners</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What did China claim?</strong></h2><p>Responding to a question on border issues, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the Shaksgam Valley "belongs to China". She argued that China was well within its rights to carry out infrastructure construction there. Ning cited a boundary agreement signed between China and Pakistan in the 1960s, claiming that the borders between the two countries had already been demarcated. According to Mao, that agreement represented a legitimate settlement reached by two sovereign states.</p><p>China's state-run Global Times quoted Mao as saying that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, is an economic cooperation project aimed at boosting development and improving livelihoods in the region. She stressed that both the boundary agreement and CPEC do not alter China's long-standing position on the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;</p><p>India, however, has firmly rejected that narrative.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ice-made-us-less-safe-minnesota-slams-trump-s-federal-invasion-sues-after-immigration-officer-kills-renee-good-1768271149205"><strong>Minnesota slams Trump's 'federal invasion,' sues after ICE kills Renee Good</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Who does the Shaksgam Valley belong to?</strong></h2><p>"Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory", said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on January 9. New Delhi condemned China’s infrastructure activities in the Shaksgam Valley, calling them "illegal and invalid" and reiterating that the region is an integral part of India.</p><p>Jaiswal noted that India "has never recognised the so-called China-Pakistan 'boundary agreement' signed in 1963," and said that "We have consistently maintained that the agreement is illegal and invalid".</p><p>We do not recognise the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor either, which passes through Indian territory, which is under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan," added the Indian MEA. Protesting China's attempts to change facts on the ground in the Shaksgam Valley, he underlined that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are "integral and inalienable" parts of India, adding that New Delhi has conveyed this "to Pakistani and Chinese authorities several times".</p><p>The Shaksgam Valley lies north of the Siachen Glacier, bordering China's Xinjiang region to the north and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir to the south and west.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

China has once again tried to illegally lay claim to India's Shaksgam Valley, citing a 1960s deal with Pakistan. India has consistently refuted the validity of the claims and insists that the Kashmir valley is an integral and inalienable part of its territory.

China on Monday (Jan 12) once again sought to lay claim to the Shaksgam Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, which India insists remains an 'integral and inalienable' part of its territory. Rejecting India's claim over the Shaksgam Valley, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing considers the area to be part of its territory. This comes as India on Friday (Jan 9) slammed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, noting that it passes through Indian territory that is under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan. Also read | India in the crosshairs as Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran trade partners What did China claim? Responding to a question on border issues, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the Shaksgam Valley "belongs to China". She argued that China was well within its rights to carry out infrastructure construction there. Ning cited a boundary agreement signed between China and Pakistan in the 1960s, claiming that the borders between the two countries had already been demarcated. According to Mao, that agreement represented a legitimate settlement reached by two sovereign states. China's state-run Global Times quoted Mao as saying that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, is an economic cooperation project aimed at boosting development and improving livelihoods in the region. She stressed that both the boundary agreement and CPEC do not alter China's long-standing position on the Kashmir issue. India, however, has firmly rejected that narrative. Also read | Minnesota slams Trump's 'federal invasion,' sues after ICE kills Renee Good Who does the Shaksgam Valley belong to? "Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory", said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on January 9. New Delhi condemned China’s infrastructure activities in the Shaksgam Valley, calling them "illegal and invalid" and reiterating that the region is an integral part of India. Jaiswal noted that India "has never recognised the so-called China-Pakistan 'boundary agreement' signed in 1963," and said that "We have consistently maintained that the agreement is illegal and invalid". We do not recognise the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor either, which passes through Indian territory, which is under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan," added the Indian MEA. Protesting China's attempts to change facts on the ground in the Shaksgam Valley, he underlined that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are "integral and inalienable" parts of India, adding that New Delhi has conveyed this "to Pakistani and Chinese authorities several times". The Shaksgam Valley lies north of the Siachen Glacier, bordering China's Xinjiang region to the north and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir to the south and west.

<p>China has once again tried to illegally lay claim to India's Shaksgam Valley, citing a 1960s deal with Pakistan. India has consistently refuted the validity of the claims and insists that the Kashmir valley is an integral and inalienable part of its territory.</p>

China pushes illegal claim on India's Shaksgam Valley, hides behind Pakistan deal from 1960s

<p>US President Donald Trump on Monday (Jan 12) announced a sweeping new pressure move against Iran - a 25 per cent tariff on any country that continues doing business with Tehran while trading with the United States. Notably, New Delhi has a long history of trade and strategic ties with Tehran, including energy imports and the Chabahar Port project. The tariffs come as rights groups warn that Iran's crackdown on mass protests has turned increasingly lethal, with at least 648 people killed.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>When will the tariffs be imposed? How will India be affected?</strong></h2><p>In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the tariff would take effect "immediately" and described the order as "final and conclusive," without naming specific countries. According to data from Trading Economics, Iran's main trading partners include China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq. India has also been one of Tehran's top five trade partners in recent years. In 2024–25, according to the Indian Embassy in Tehran, India's trade with Iran totalled $1.68 billion, including $1.24 billion in exports and $440 million in imports.</p>

<p>The tariff announcement comes amid more than two weeks of nationwide unrest in Iran. What began as protests over economic hardship has since evolved into one of the most serious challenges to the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution that ousted the Shah. Demonstrations have continued despite a near-total internet blackout and the use of live fire by security forces.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/under-blackout-iran-s-streets-run-red-tehran-doctor-says-at-least-217-killed-as-regime-opens-fire-on-protestors-report-1768040473068"><strong>Under blackout, Iran's streets run red: Tehran doctor says at least 217 killed as regime opens fire on protestors - Report</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Which nations will be affected?</strong></h2><p>On X, Brian Krassenstein, an anti-Trump influencer and podcaster, pointed out that the 25 per cent tariffs would be borne by Americans buying from several countries, including India.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: Trump appears to have just put a 25% tax on Americans buying products from: <br><br>China<br>United Arab Emirates<br>Turkey<br>Iraq<br>India<br>Pakistan<br>Russia<br>Afghanistan<br>Armenia<br>Azerbaijan<br>Syria<br>Oman<br>Qatar<br>Malaysia<br>Indonesia<br>South Korea<br>Germany<br>Italy<br>France<br><br>These are trade partners of… <a href="https://t.co/yJ2kEFY667">pic.twitter.com/yJ2kEFY667</a></p>&mdash; Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/krassenstein/status/2010849687604175019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>Death toll rises to 648</strong></h2><p>The Norway-based group Iran Human Rights said it has confirmed at least 648 deaths linked to the crackdown, including nine minors. The organisation warned the real toll could be far higher, "according to some estimates, more than 6,000". It also said that around 10,000 people may have been arrested, adding that the communications shutdown has made it "extremely difficult to independently verify these reports".</p><p>Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, the group’s director, insisted that the "international community has a duty to protect civilian protesters against mass killing by the Islamic republic."</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-israel-iran-will-be-faithful-partners-again-netanyahu-wants-fall-of-khamenei-regime-s-tyranny-urges-protesters-to-continue-1768196188409"><strong>'Israel, Iran will be faithful partners again': Netanyahu predicts fall of Khamenei, urges protesters to continue demonstrations</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Foreign interference?</strong></h2><p>Iranian authorities have meanwhile sought to blame foreign powers for stirring unrest. On Monday, the government organised mass rallies across the country. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said the pro-government demonstrations showed the protest movement had been defeated and warned the United States against interference. "These massive rallies, full of determination, have thwarted the plan of foreign enemies that were supposed to be carried out by domestic mercenaries," he said, according to state TV.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The Trump administration has unveiled a sharp new pressure tactic against Iran: a 25 per cent tariff on any country that continues doing business with Iran while trading with the United States. All you need to know.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Jan 12) announced a sweeping new pressure move against Iran - a 25 per cent tariff on any country that continues doing business with Tehran while trading with the United States. Notably, New Delhi has a long history of trade and strategic ties with Tehran, including energy imports and the Chabahar Port project. The tariffs come as rights groups warn that Iran's crackdown on mass protests has turned increasingly lethal, with at least 648 people killed. When will the tariffs be imposed? How will India be affected? In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the tariff would take effect "immediately" and described the order as "final and conclusive," without naming specific countries. According to data from Trading Economics, Iran's main trading partners include China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq. India has also been one of Tehran's top five trade partners in recent years. In 2024–25, according to the Indian Embassy in Tehran, India's trade with Iran totalled $1.68 billion, including $1.24 billion in exports and $440 million in imports.

<p>The Trump administration has unveiled a sharp new pressure tactic against Iran: a 25 per cent tariff on any country that continues doing business with Iran while trading with the United States. Will India also face the penalty? All you need to know.</p>

India in the crosshairs as Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran trade partners; protest death toll rises to 648

<p>Scientists looking to understand how to communicate with aliens say that honeybees are the key to achieving the right methods to do so. Bees might be tiny insects that forage through flowers for nectar. But they are known to possess incredible brains and can even solve simple mathematical problems, as demonstrated by an eight-year study. They were found to be able to add, subtract and also knew the difference between odd and even numbers. This led scientists to wonder if communication with aliens could be based on mathematics. "If two species considered alien to each other – humans and honeybees – can perform mathematics, along with many other animals, then perhaps mathematics could form the basis of a universal language,” researchers argue in a piece in The Conversation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This theory is part of a thought experiment published in the journal Leonardo. "The ancestors of bees and humans diverged over 600 million years ago, yet we both possess communication, sociality, and some mathematical ability," the writers wrote. It is based on the philosophical idea that mathematics is not limited to merely being a way to solve the mysteries of the universe. “If there are extraterrestrial species, and they have sufficiently sophisticated brains, then our work suggests they may have the capacity to do mathematics,” researchers say.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/cia-statement-on-3i-atlas-has-reignited-debate-about-the-nature-of-interstellar-object-1767756573233"><strong>CIA statement on 3I/ATLAS has reignited debate about the nature of interstellar object</strong></a><br>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/3i-atlas-is-not-unique-scientist-says-a-trillion-interstellar-objects-are-in-the-solar-system-right-now-1767097867958"><strong>Scientist says a trillion 3I/ATLAS-like objects are in the solar system right now</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Bees attended maths sessions in the tests</strong></h2><p>Between 2016 and 2024, scientists explored the ability of bees to learn mathematics. They freely attended the outdoor maths tests to receive sugar water. During this study, scientists noticed that the bees showed evidence of being able to carry out simple addition and subtraction, distinguish between odd and even, and order quantities of items, including an understanding of “zero”. They could even link symbols with numbers.</p><h2><strong>Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 also carry mathematical etchings</strong></h2><p>This isn't the first time such a suggestion has been made. Previous efforts to communicate with extraterrestrial beings also used mathematics and numbers. Something similar can be found on the Golden Records aboard Voyager 1 and 2. The probes that are now floating in space, far away from the solar system, have mathematical quantities etched on the Records. This was done with the view that aliens might understand them and humans would be able to “communicate a story of our world to extraterrestrials”. Similarly, the 1974 Arecibo radio message beamed out into space consisted of 1,679 zeros and ones. Its intention was to tell any aliens out there about the numbers one to ten and the atomic numbers of the elements that make up DNA.&nbsp;</p>

Humans have yet to find aliens. But they are already preparing for the day this happens, and have been working on languages that they both can use to communicate. Scientists had a lightbulb moment when they observed bees doing maths. Here is what happened.

Scientists looking to understand how to communicate with aliens say that honeybees are the key to achieving the right methods to do so. Bees might be tiny insects that forage through flowers for nectar. But they are known to possess incredible brains and can even solve simple mathematical problems, as demonstrated by an eight-year study. They were found to be able to add, subtract and also knew the difference between odd and even numbers. This led scientists to wonder if communication with aliens could be based on mathematics. "If two species considered alien to each other – humans and honeybees – can perform mathematics, along with many other animals, then perhaps mathematics could form the basis of a universal language,” researchers argue in a piece in The Conversation. This theory is part of a thought experiment published in the journal Leonardo. "The ancestors of bees and humans diverged over 600 million years ago, yet we both possess communication, sociality, and some mathematical ability," the writers wrote. It is based on the philosophical idea that mathematics is not limited to merely being a way to solve the mysteries of the universe. “If there are extraterrestrial species, and they have sufficiently sophisticated brains, then our work suggests they may have the capacity to do mathematics,” researchers say. Also Read: CIA statement on 3I/ATLAS has reignited debate about the nature of interstellar object Also Read: Scientist says a trillion 3I/ATLAS-like objects are in the solar system right now Bees attended maths sessions in the tests Between 2016 and 2024, scientists explored the ability of bees to learn mathematics. They freely attended the outdoor maths tests to receive sugar water. During this study, scientists noticed that the bees showed evidence of being able to carry out simple addition and subtraction, distinguish between odd and even, and order quantities of items, including an understanding of “zero”. They could even link symbols with numbers. Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 also carry mathematical etchings This isn't the first time such a suggestion has been made. Previous efforts to communicate with extraterrestrial beings also used mathematics and numbers. Something similar can be found on the Golden Records aboard Voyager 1 and 2. The probes that are now floating in space, far away from the solar system, have mathematical quantities etched on the Records. This was done with the view that aliens might understand them and humans would be able to “communicate a story of our world to extraterrestrials”. Similarly, the 1974 Arecibo radio message beamed out into space consisted of 1,679 zeros and ones. Its intention was to tell any aliens out there about the numbers one to ten and the atomic numbers of the elements that make up DNA.

<p>Humans have yet to find aliens. But they are already preparing for the day this happens, and have been working on languages that they both can use to communicate. Scientists had a lightbulb moment when they observed bees doing maths. Here is what happened.</p>

Bees did MATHS, and solved an alien communication problem

<p>Minnesota, on Monday (Jan 12), sued the Donald Trump administration over its aggressive immigration crackdown, which resulted in the death of Renee Nicole Good, the 37-year-old mother of three. The US state said that the Trump federal crackdown has made communities "less safe".</p><h2><strong>'Made us less safe'</strong></h2><p>Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced the lawsuit on Monday, accusing the Department of Homeland Security of flooding the state with federal immigration agents without coordination or regard for public safety.</p><p>"Thousands of poorly trained, aggressive and armed agents of the state, of the federal government, have rolled into our communities," Ellison said at a press conference. He described the surge as unconstitutional and unlawful, noting that it was "in essence, a federal invasion."</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/shot-dying-then-insulted-disturbing-video-shows-ice-agent-mutter-crude-slur-after-killing-renee-nicole-good-fucking-bitch-jonathan-ross-1768018859463"><strong>'Fu**ing b***h': Disturbing video shows ICE agent mutter crude slur after killing Renee Good</strong></a></p><p>The legal action follows the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent during protests in Minneapolis on Wednesday. The American citizen's death has sparked daily demonstrations and vigils across the city.</p><h2><strong>Trump targeting Democrat states?</strong></h2><p>Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the crackdown was politically motivated, arguing that Donald Trump was singling out Democratic led states. "If the goal were simply to look for people who are undocumented, Minneapolis and Saint Paul would not be the place you would go," Frey said. He pointed out that "there are countless more people that are undocumented in Florida and Texas and Utah," but are governed by Republicans and have not seen the same level of federal intervention.</p><p>Ellison echoed that view, saying Minnesota was being targeted for its diversity and its disagreements with the federal government on immigration policy. "The obvious targeting of Minnesota for our diversity, for our democracy and our differences of opinion with the federal government, is a violation of the Constitution and federal law," he said.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-you-killed-my-fu-ing-neighbour-medic-begs-to-help-renee-good-ice-officers-tells-him-i-don-t-care-disturbing-video-emerges-1767857999720"><strong>'You killed my fu**ing neighbour': Medic begs to help Renee Good, ICE officers tells him 'I don't care'. Disturbing video emerges</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Illinois sues the Trump administration</strong></h2><p>The lawsuit also comes as Illinois, another Democratic controlled state, filed a similar case against the Trump administration on the same day, challenging the legality of federal immigration actions within its borders.</p><p>Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has defended the ICE officer involved in Good's death, claiming he acted in self-defence after she allegedly drove her vehicle toward him. Local officials and family members strongly dispute that account, citing video footage that appears to show Good's car turning away.</p>

Minnesota has sued the Trump administration over its immigration crackdown, calling it a “federal invasion” that made communities less safe. The lawsuit follows the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent.

Minnesota, on Monday (Jan 12), sued the Donald Trump administration over its aggressive immigration crackdown, which resulted in the death of Renee Nicole Good, the 37-year-old mother of three. The US state said that the Trump federal crackdown has made communities "less safe". 'Made us less safe' Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced the lawsuit on Monday, accusing the Department of Homeland Security of flooding the state with federal immigration agents without coordination or regard for public safety. "Thousands of poorly trained, aggressive and armed agents of the state, of the federal government, have rolled into our communities," Ellison said at a press conference. He described the surge as unconstitutional and unlawful, noting that it was "in essence, a federal invasion." Also read | 'Fu**ing b***h': Disturbing video shows ICE agent mutter crude slur after killing Renee Good The legal action follows the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent during protests in Minneapolis on Wednesday. The American citizen's death has sparked daily demonstrations and vigils across the city. Trump targeting Democrat states? Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the crackdown was politically motivated, arguing that Donald Trump was singling out Democratic led states. "If the goal were simply to look for people who are undocumented, Minneapolis and Saint Paul would not be the place you would go," Frey said. He pointed out that "there are countless more people that are undocumented in Florida and Texas and Utah," but are governed by Republicans and have not seen the same level of federal intervention. Ellison echoed that view, saying Minnesota was being targeted for its diversity and its disagreements with the federal government on immigration policy. "The obvious targeting of Minnesota for our diversity, for our democracy and our differences of opinion with the federal government, is a violation of the Constitution and federal law," he said. Also read | 'You killed my fu**ing neighbour': Medic begs to help Renee Good, ICE officers tells him 'I don't care'. Disturbing video emerges Illinois sues the Trump administration The lawsuit also comes as Illinois, another Democratic controlled state, filed a similar case against the Trump administration on the same day, challenging the legality of federal immigration actions within its borders. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has defended the ICE officer involved in Good's death, claiming he acted in self-defence after she allegedly drove her vehicle toward him. Local officials and family members strongly dispute that account, citing video footage that appears to show Good's car turning away.

<p>Minnesota has sued the Trump administration over its immigration crackdown, calling it a “federal invasion” that made communities less safe. The lawsuit follows the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent.</p>

ICE 'made us less safe': Minnesota slams Trump's 'federal invasion,' sues after immigration officer kills Renee Good

<p>Lohri, the festival of joy and new beginnings, is celebrated every year on January 13 across North India, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Delhi. People mark the festivities by lighting bonfires, singing Punjabi folk songs, performing energetic dances, and sharing sweets. Lohri is more than just a celebration as it is a tribute to nature, the harvest, and the strengthening of community connections.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/golden-globes-2026-a-look-at-jaw-dropping-fashion-trends-from-the-red-carpet-1768201944907"><strong>Golden Globes 2026: A look at jaw-dropping fashion trends from the red carpet</strong></a></p><h2>What Is Lohri Festival?</h2><p>Lohri is a midwinter folk festival that marks the passing of the winter solstice and the end of winter, and welcomes the longer days. In today’s chaotic and busy life, it continues to remind people of the importance of gratitude, peace, and harmony with nature. It brings families and neighbours together, sharing the simple joys of life.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/adolescence-star-owen-cooper-makes-history-at-a-young-age-becomes-the-youngest-to-win-golden-globe-emmy-critics-choice-awards-1768209495153"><strong>Adolescence star Owen Cooper makes history; becomes the youngest to win Golden Globe, Emmy, Critics Choice Awards</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The festival holds significant importance for farmers as it celebrates the harvest of rabi crops, particularly sugarcane, wheat, and mustard.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Traditionally, it is viewed as an auspicious occasion for new beginnings, where families celebrate the festival with extra enthusiasm when welcoming a newborn child or commemorating the first Lohri of newlyweds, symbolising prosperity, fertility, and happiness in the future.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jana-nayagan-vs-parasakthi-actor-producer-dev-ramnath-criticises-thalapathy-vijay-fans-for-negative-reviews-1768209996599"><strong>Parasakthi actor Dev Ramnath slams Thalapathy Vijay fans for negative reviews</strong></a></p><h2>Significance of Lohri Festival</h2><p>Lohri celebrations are not complete without a bonfire, which represents warmth, light, and positive energy. It also symbolises the end of harsh winter days, bringing hope for brighter, warmer times ahead. People gather around the fire to offer peanuts, popcorn, sesame seeds, jaggery, and rewri, distributing these treats among each other as they pray for abundance and protection from negativity. While circling the bonfire, they honour Agni, the fire god, who is believed to carry their prayers to the divine.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/new-ott-releases-this-week-jan-12-18-2026-golden-globes-one-last-adventure-taskaree-8-new-movies-and-tv-shows-on-netflix-jiohotstar-and-more-1768122351690"><strong>New OTT Releases this week (Jan 12-18, 2026): 8 new movies and TV shows on OTT</strong></a></p><h2>History of Lohri Festival</h2><p>Lohri is deeply rooted in the remembrance of the legend named Dulla Bhatti, a local hero who helped poor girls by freeing them from slavery and ensuring their marriage during the Mughal era. Hence, the traditional Lohri songs continue to praise his bravery and generosity, keeping his story alive across generations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>People dance to energetic bhangra and giddha, wear vibrant traditional attire, and share festive treats like sweets, popcorn, and peanuts to strengthen cultural identity and promote togetherness.</p>

Wishing you a very Happy Lohri! Lohri is a vibrant Punjabi harvest festival celebrated every year on January 13th. Take a look at the history, significance, and cultural traditions the festival holds.

Lohri, the festival of joy and new beginnings, is celebrated every year on January 13 across North India, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Delhi. People mark the festivities by lighting bonfires, singing Punjabi folk songs, performing energetic dances, and sharing sweets. Lohri is more than just a celebration as it is a tribute to nature, the harvest, and the strengthening of community connections. Also Read: Golden Globes 2026: A look at jaw-dropping fashion trends from the red carpet What Is Lohri Festival? Lohri is a midwinter folk festival that marks the passing of the winter solstice and the end of winter, and welcomes the longer days. In today’s chaotic and busy life, it continues to remind people of the importance of gratitude, peace, and harmony with nature. It brings families and neighbours together, sharing the simple joys of life. Also Read: Adolescence star Owen Cooper makes history; becomes the youngest to win Golden Globe, Emmy, Critics Choice Awards The festival holds significant importance for farmers as it celebrates the harvest of rabi crops, particularly sugarcane, wheat, and mustard. Traditionally, it is viewed as an auspicious occasion for new beginnings, where families celebrate the festival with extra enthusiasm when welcoming a newborn child or commemorating the first Lohri of newlyweds, symbolising prosperity, fertility, and happiness in the future. Also Read: Parasakthi actor Dev Ramnath slams Thalapathy Vijay fans for negative reviews Significance of Lohri Festival Lohri celebrations are not complete without a bonfire, which represents warmth, light, and positive energy. It also symbolises the end of harsh winter days, bringing hope for brighter, warmer times ahead. People gather around the fire to offer peanuts, popcorn, sesame seeds, jaggery, and rewri, distributing these treats among each other as they pray for abundance and protection from negativity. While circling the bonfire, they honour Agni, the fire god, who is believed to carry their prayers to the divine. Also Read: New OTT Releases this week (Jan 12-18, 2026): 8 new movies and TV shows on OTT History of Lohri Festival Lohri is deeply rooted in the remembrance of the legend named Dulla Bhatti, a local hero who helped poor girls by freeing them from slavery and ensuring their marriage during the Mughal era. Hence, the traditional Lohri songs continue to praise his bravery and generosity, keeping his story alive across generations. People dance to energetic bhangra and giddha, wear vibrant traditional attire, and share festive treats like sweets, popcorn, and peanuts to strengthen cultural identity and promote togetherness.

<p>Wishing you a very Happy Lohri! It is a vibrant Punjabi harvest festival celebrated every year on January 13th. Take a look at the history, significance, and cultural traditions the festival holds.</p>

Lohri 2026: A look at the history, significance, and why the festival is celebrated

<p>Social media platform Instagram has rejected claims that its platform suffered a data breach after large numbers of users reported receiving unexpected password reset emails. According to the company, the emails were triggered by a technical flaw that allowed a third party to initiate legitimate password reset requests. Instagram said the issue has since been fixed and stressed that its internal systems were not compromised, assuring users that their accounts remain safe.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Despite this reassurance, several cybersecurity experts have raised doubts. Malwarebytes, a well-known security firm, suggested the emails were linked to a hacking incident rather than a simple technical error. In a post shared on X, Malwarebytes alleged that hackers had obtained personal information from 17.5 million Instagram accounts. The firm claimed the exposed data included usernames, phone numbers, email addresses, physical locations, and other sensitive details. The post, which included an image of an Instagram password reset email, quickly gained traction, attracting more than 2.3 million views.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-s-machado-meets-pope-leo-seeks-support-for-release-of-political-prisoners-nicolas-maduro-caracus-1768234943986"><strong>Venezuela’s Machado meets Pope Leo, seeks support for release of political prisoners</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Malwarebytes later told the BBC that it believes the surge in password reset emails coincided with the sale of private user data on a criminal forum. On that forum, a seller claims to possess personal information belonging to millions of Instagram users, allegedly sourced from a “leak” dating back to 2024.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, some independent security researchers dispute this account. They suggest the dataset may not be new, arguing it could be compiled from information that was publicly accessible on Instagram profiles as far back as 2022, such as names and locations. The combination of password reset emails and warnings from security firms has left many users confused and concerned. Instagram’s explanation has also drawn scrutiny, particularly its statement that an “external party” was able to request password resets without clarifying how this was possible.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/digital-arrest-scams-spread-across-india-triggers-alarm-1768238430986/embed"><strong>https://www.wionews.com/videos/digital-arrest-scams-spread-across-india-triggers-alarm-1768238430986/embed</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Many users initially worried the emails were phishing attempts. However, the links appear to direct users to genuine Instagram pages, and the password reset process itself seems authentic. Even so, experts continue to advise caution. Users are encouraged to avoid clicking links in unexpected emails and instead visit the official Instagram app or website directly to change passwords and enable additional security measures such as two-factor authentication.</p>

Instagram denies data breach after several users get password reset email

Social media platform Instagram has rejected claims that its platform suffered a data breach after large numbers of users reported receiving unexpected password reset emails. According to the company, the emails were triggered by a technical flaw that allowed a third party to initiate legitimate password reset requests. Instagram said the issue has since been fixed and stressed that its internal systems were not compromised, assuring users that their accounts remain safe. Despite this reassurance, several cybersecurity experts have raised doubts. Malwarebytes, a well-known security firm, suggested the emails were linked to a hacking incident rather than a simple technical error. In a post shared on X, Malwarebytes alleged that hackers had obtained personal information from 17.5 million Instagram accounts. The firm claimed the exposed data included usernames, phone numbers, email addresses, physical locations, and other sensitive details. The post, which included an image of an Instagram password reset email, quickly gained traction, attracting more than 2.3 million views. Also Read: Venezuela’s Machado meets Pope Leo, seeks support for release of political prisoners Malwarebytes later told the BBC that it believes the surge in password reset emails coincided with the sale of private user data on a criminal forum. On that forum, a seller claims to possess personal information belonging to millions of Instagram users, allegedly sourced from a “leak” dating back to 2024. However, some independent security researchers dispute this account. They suggest the dataset may not be new, arguing it could be compiled from information that was publicly accessible on Instagram profiles as far back as 2022, such as names and locations. The combination of password reset emails and warnings from security firms has left many users confused and concerned. Instagram’s explanation has also drawn scrutiny, particularly its statement that an “external party” was able to request password resets without clarifying how this was possible. https://www.wionews.com/videos/digital-arrest-scams-spread-across-india-triggers-alarm-1768238430986/embed Many users initially worried the emails were phishing attempts. However, the links appear to direct users to genuine Instagram pages, and the password reset process itself seems authentic. Even so, experts continue to advise caution. Users are encouraged to avoid clicking links in unexpected emails and instead visit the official Instagram app or website directly to change passwords and enable additional security measures such as two-factor authentication.

<p>Instagram denies a data breach after users receive reset emails, but security experts question whether leaked user data triggered the alerts</p>

<p>Lohri is celebrated annually on January 13, marking the end of winter and the arrival of the rabi harvest season. It is widely celebrated harvest festivals of North India, which include Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi, with joy, gratitude, warmth, and fresh beginnings.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On this day, people, including children, across India enjoy their holiday after they get a break from offices and schools. But several states neither celebrate nor get a break in their work or educational places. However, it is not a nationally gazetted holiday in India, but it is a public holiday in specific northern states. In this article, we will explore and try to determine which state in India will have a holiday to celebrate Lohri 2026.</p><h3>Lohri holidays in Punjab and Haryana</h3><p>Lohri holds major cultural importance in Punjab and Haryana, where it is observed as a compulsory public holiday for schools and offices. In 2026, students are expected to get time off to take part in traditional celebrations such as bonfires and kite flying.</p><h3>Winter break in Delhi and NCR</h3><p>Schools in Delhi and the NCR usually observe winter holidays in early January. Owing to harsh cold conditions, the break may be extended to include Lohri, with many government schools likely to remain closed until January 15 to accommodate Lohri and Makar Sankranti.</p><h3>Pongal and Makar Sankranti break in South India</h3><p>In southern states, Makar Sankranti is widely celebrated as Pongal, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka generally announce multi-day school closures for the four-day harvest festival. Final dates will be confirmed in the 2026 academic calendars issued by state education departments.</p><h3>State-wise school holiday overview (January 2026)</h3><ul><li><strong>Punjab</strong>: Lohri/Maghi (Jan 13–14) – Full public holiday</li><li><strong>Haryana</strong>: Lohri/Makar Sankranti (Jan 13–14) – Major state holiday</li><li><strong>Tamil Nadu</strong>: Pongal/Thiruvalluvar Day (Jan 15–17) – State holiday</li><li><strong>Gujarat</strong>: Uttarayan/Makar Sankranti (Jan 15) – Major local festival</li><li><strong>Andhra Pradesh</strong>: Bhogi/Kanuma (Jan 13, 14, 16) – Fixed state holiday</li><li><strong>Telangana</strong>: Bhogi/Makar Sankranti (Jan 13–14) – Fixed state holiday</li><li><strong>Assam</strong>: Magh Bihu (Jan 14–15) – Fixed state holiday</li><li><strong>Delhi &amp; NCR</strong>: Lohri/Makar Sankranti (Jan 13–15) – Usually part of winter break</li><li><strong>Maharashtra</strong>: Makar Sankranti (Jan 14) – Restricted or optional holiday</li><li><strong>Karnataka</strong>: Makar Sankranti/Bhogi (Jan 14–15) – Regional or bank holiday</li></ul><p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/lohri-2026-7-lesser-known-rituals-and-customs-behind-the-bonfire-celebrations-1768225084752"> Lohri 2026: 7 lesser-known rituals and customs behind the bonfire celebrations</a></p>

Schools in Delhi and the NCR usually observe winter holidays in early January. Owing to harsh cold conditions, the break may be extended to include Lohri, with many government schools likely to remain closed until January 15 to accommodate Lohri and Makar Sankranti.

Lohri is celebrated annually on January 13, marking the end of winter and the arrival of the rabi harvest season. It is widely celebrated harvest festivals of North India, which include Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi, with joy, gratitude, warmth, and fresh beginnings. On this day, people, including children, across India enjoy their holiday after they get a break from offices and schools. But several states neither celebrate nor get a break in their work or educational places. However, it is not a nationally gazetted holiday in India, but it is a public holiday in specific northern states. In this article, we will explore and try to determine which state in India will have a holiday to celebrate Lohri 2026. Lohri holidays in Punjab and Haryana Lohri holds major cultural importance in Punjab and Haryana, where it is observed as a compulsory public holiday for schools and offices. In 2026, students are expected to get time off to take part in traditional celebrations such as bonfires and kite flying. Winter break in Delhi and NCR Schools in Delhi and the NCR usually observe winter holidays in early January. Owing to harsh cold conditions, the break may be extended to include Lohri, with many government schools likely to remain closed until January 15 to accommodate Lohri and Makar Sankranti. Pongal and Makar Sankranti break in South India In southern states, Makar Sankranti is widely celebrated as Pongal, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka generally announce multi-day school closures for the four-day harvest festival. Final dates will be confirmed in the 2026 academic calendars issued by state education departments. State-wise school holiday overview (January 2026) Punjab: Lohri/Maghi (Jan 13–14) – Full public holiday Haryana: Lohri/Makar Sankranti (Jan 13–14) – Major state holiday Tamil Nadu: Pongal/Thiruvalluvar Day (Jan 15–17) – State holiday Gujarat: Uttarayan/Makar Sankranti (Jan 15) – Major local festival Andhra Pradesh: Bhogi/Kanuma (Jan 13, 14, 16) – Fixed state holiday Telangana: Bhogi/Makar Sankranti (Jan 13–14) – Fixed state holiday Assam: Magh Bihu (Jan 14–15) – Fixed state holiday Delhi & NCR: Lohri/Makar Sankranti (Jan 13–15) – Usually part of winter break Maharashtra: Makar Sankranti (Jan 14) – Restricted or optional holiday Karnataka: Makar Sankranti/Bhogi (Jan 14–15) – Regional or bank holiday Also read: Lohri 2026: 7 lesser-known rituals and customs behind the bonfire celebrations

<p>Schools in Delhi and the NCR usually observe winter holidays in early January. Owing to harsh cold conditions, the break may be extended to include Lohri, with many government schools likely to remain closed until January 15 to accommodate Lohri and Makar Sankranti.</p>

Is Lohri 2026 a public holiday in India? State-wise list revealed-Check inside

<p>Lohri is among the most widely celebrated harvest festivals of North India, which include Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi. It is celebrated annually on January 13, marking the end of winter and the arrival of the rabi harvest season. Lohri is widely observed as a celebration of joy, gratitude, warmth, and fresh beginnings. Based on the Drik Panchang, the timing of the Lohri is at 3:13 PM on January 14, but the traditional celebrations, the dancing, singing, and bonfires take place on the evening of the 13th.</p><h3>7 lesser-known traditions behind the bonfire festival</h3><ol><li><strong>Lohri goddess idol from cow dung</strong></li></ol><p>In some rural Punjab villages, families craft small idols of the Lohri goddess using gobar (cow dung) mixed with straw. These are placed at the bonfire base, symbolising fertility and earth connection. Lit with wood at dusk, the idol burns as an offering to Agni, the fire god, expressing gratitude for the harvest and invoking protection for the coming year. This eco‑friendly ritual underscores Lohri’s agrarian roots.</p><p>​</p><p><strong>2. Pouring milk and water around the fire</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Hindus perform a specific ritual of pouring milk and water in a circle around the bonfire. This act thanks the Sun God (Surya) for longer days and seeks blessings for health and prosperity. Milk symbolises purity and nourishment, while water quenches the fire’s symbolic “thirst,” balancing the elements. Participants chant prayers during this, blending devotion with nature worship.</p><p>​</p><p><strong>3. Singing Dulla Bhatti folk songs</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Children and women sing Boliyaan praising Dulla Bhatti, a 16th‑century rebel who robbed the rich to help poor girls marry. Lyrics recount his heroism, like freeing brides from Mughal oppressors. Sung while circling the bonfire, these songs pass down oral history and social justice themes, making Lohri a festival of resistance and community memory.</p><p>​</p><p><strong>4. Til, gur and rewri offerings</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Beyond popcorn, sesame seeds (til), jaggery (gur), rewri (sesame brittle) and sugarcane are ritually tossed into the flames. Til represents oil for lamps (knowledge), gur sweetness in life, rewri unity (sticky clusters), and sugarcane prosperity. These offerings purify the soul, share abundance and ward off evil, tying Lohri to Vedic fire rituals.</p><p>​</p><p><strong>5. Village square pyramid bonfire</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Urban celebrations often use gas, but traditional village mehfil builds a pyramid of dry twigs, cow‑dung cakes and logs inside a brick enclosure garlanded with marigolds. Lit at sunset in the main square, it draws the entire community for song, dance and prasad distribution, reinforcing social bonds and collective identity.</p><p>​</p><p><strong>6. Newborn and bride blessings</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Newlyweds and families with newborns receive special Lohri prasad (peanuts, gajak, popcorn). Elders bless infants for health and couples for fertility, circling them around the fire. This rite invokes divine favour for family continuity, linking personal milestones to the harvest cycle and communal well‑being.</p><p>​</p><p><strong>7. Jhumar and gidda folk dances</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While bhangra dominates, women perform gidda (clapping circles) and jhumar (tribal stick dance) around the fire. These lesser‑seen dances celebrate rural life, with lyrics about crops, love and seasons. Accompanied by dhol, they preserve pre‑Partition cultural expressions unique to Punjab’s Doabi and Majhi dialects.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read:&nbsp;</p>

Lohri is widely observed as a celebration of joy, gratitude, warmth, and fresh beginnings. Based on the Drik Panchang, the timing of the Lohri is at 3:13 PM on January 14, but the traditional celebrations, the dancing, singing, and bonfires take place on the evening of the 13th.

Lohri is among the most widely celebrated harvest festivals of North India, which include Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi. It is celebrated annually on January 13, marking the end of winter and the arrival of the rabi harvest season. Lohri is widely observed as a celebration of joy, gratitude, warmth, and fresh beginnings. Based on the Drik Panchang, the timing of the Lohri is at 3:13 PM on January 14, but the traditional celebrations, the dancing, singing, and bonfires take place on the evening of the 13th. 7 lesser-known traditions behind the bonfire festival Lohri goddess idol from cow dung In some rural Punjab villages, families craft small idols of the Lohri goddess using gobar (cow dung) mixed with straw. These are placed at the bonfire base, symbolising fertility and earth connection. Lit with wood at dusk, the idol burns as an offering to Agni, the fire god, expressing gratitude for the harvest and invoking protection for the coming year. This eco‑friendly ritual underscores Lohri’s agrarian roots. 2. Pouring milk and water around the fire Hindus perform a specific ritual of pouring milk and water in a circle around the bonfire. This act thanks the Sun God (Surya) for longer days and seeks blessings for health and prosperity. Milk symbolises purity and nourishment, while water quenches the fire’s symbolic “thirst,” balancing the elements. Participants chant prayers during this, blending devotion with nature worship. 3. Singing Dulla Bhatti folk songs Children and women sing Boliyaan praising Dulla Bhatti, a 16th‑century rebel who robbed the rich to help poor girls marry. Lyrics recount his heroism, like freeing brides from Mughal oppressors. Sung while circling the bonfire, these songs pass down oral history and social justice themes, making Lohri a festival of resistance and community memory. 4. Til, gur and rewri offerings Beyond popcorn, sesame seeds (til), jaggery (gur), rewri (sesame brittle) and sugarcane are ritually tossed into the flames. Til represents oil for lamps (knowledge), gur sweetness in life, rewri unity (sticky clusters), and sugarcane prosperity. These offerings purify the soul, share abundance and ward off evil, tying Lohri to Vedic fire rituals. 5. Village square pyramid bonfire Urban celebrations often use gas, but traditional village mehfil builds a pyramid of dry twigs, cow‑dung cakes and logs inside a brick enclosure garlanded with marigolds. Lit at sunset in the main square, it draws the entire community for song, dance and prasad distribution, reinforcing social bonds and collective identity. 6. Newborn and bride blessings Newlyweds and families with newborns receive special Lohri prasad (peanuts, gajak, popcorn). Elders bless infants for health and couples for fertility, circling them around the fire. This rite invokes divine favour for family continuity, linking personal milestones to the harvest cycle and communal well‑being. 7. Jhumar and gidda folk dances While bhangra dominates, women perform gidda (clapping circles) and jhumar (tribal stick dance) around the fire. These lesser‑seen dances celebrate rural life, with lyrics about crops, love and seasons. Accompanied by dhol, they preserve pre‑Partition cultural expressions unique to Punjab’s Doabi and Majhi dialects. Also read:

<p>Lohri is widely observed as a celebration of joy, gratitude, warmth, and fresh beginnings. Based on the Drik Panchang, the timing of the Lohri is at 3:13 PM on January 14, but the traditional celebrations, the dancing, singing, and bonfires take place on the evening of the 13th.</p>

Lohri 2026: 7 lesser-known rituals and customs behind the bonfire celebrations

<p>A "cosmic hamburger", one of the biggest planet-forming disks of gas and dust, or protoplanetary disks, has revealed a surprise. Scientists have detected the first signs of planet formation in this system. Known as Gomez's Hamburger (GoHam), its dense gas layers have been spotted with hints that planets might soon be born in this system. GoHam appears like a burger from Earth because it is seen edge-on with stacked layers of gas that look like "buns" rotating around a young star that makes up the "burger" in this case. The dust and other particles sit in the middle, while the gas takes up an enormous amount of space, spreading to a width of 2,000 times the distance between the sun and the Earth. Its height was a mind-boggling several 100 times this area. This makes it the biggest protoplanetary disk ever seen in the universe. The team observed the disk through the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), a powerful array of 66 radio antennas located in northern Chile. "GoHam gives us a rare and clear view of the vertical and radial structure of a very large, nearly edge‑on disk," lead researcher Charles Law of the University of Virginia said in a statement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He added that GoHam is a "benchmark system for testing detailed models of how disks evolve and form planets." He added that it is the "perfect laboratory for understanding how giant planets can form far from their star" because of "the combination of extreme disk size, strong asymmetries, winds, and potential planet formation." They can also understand how the birth of planets "reshapes the surrounding gas and dust."</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hive-mind-meets-deep-space-honeybees-did-maths-revealing-what-an-alien-s-first-words-could-be-1768222431811"><strong>Hive mind meets deep space: Honeybees did MATHS, revealing what an alien’s first words could be</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Dust grains, gases and signs of planet formation</strong></h2><p>Through ALMA, the team was able to map the locations of dust grains and gas molecules in the system. They noted that these elements had placed themselves in distinct layers, and the gases included two forms of carbon monoxide and several sulfur-based molecules. The lightest gas resided above the midplane of GoHam, while the heaviest ones were near the midplane. The enormous amount of dust present in this disk is a sign that it could be home to several planets in the future. This cosmic burger is lopsided, has an extended and brighter dust emission on one side, and traces of a "photoevaporative wind" on the northern side. The former is what will give birth to planets someday. An arc of sulfur monoxide beyond the dust of the disk and only on one side aligns with a dense clump of material labelled "GoHam b". Astronomers believe this is matter collapsing under its own gravity, and possibly the earliest stage of planet formation in the outer disk.</p>

The biggest known cosmic hamburger, a giant protoplanetary disk, is showing signs of planet formation. Scientists are watching closely as they eagerly await planets to be formed from all the dust that is present in this system.

A "cosmic hamburger", one of the biggest planet-forming disks of gas and dust, or protoplanetary disks, has revealed a surprise. Scientists have detected the first signs of planet formation in this system. Known as Gomez's Hamburger (GoHam), its dense gas layers have been spotted with hints that planets might soon be born in this system. GoHam appears like a burger from Earth because it is seen edge-on with stacked layers of gas that look like "buns" rotating around a young star that makes up the "burger" in this case. The dust and other particles sit in the middle, while the gas takes up an enormous amount of space, spreading to a width of 2,000 times the distance between the sun and the Earth. Its height was a mind-boggling several 100 times this area. This makes it the biggest protoplanetary disk ever seen in the universe. The team observed the disk through the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), a powerful array of 66 radio antennas located in northern Chile. "GoHam gives us a rare and clear view of the vertical and radial structure of a very large, nearly edge‑on disk," lead researcher Charles Law of the University of Virginia said in a statement. He added that GoHam is a "benchmark system for testing detailed models of how disks evolve and form planets." He added that it is the "perfect laboratory for understanding how giant planets can form far from their star" because of "the combination of extreme disk size, strong asymmetries, winds, and potential planet formation." They can also understand how the birth of planets "reshapes the surrounding gas and dust." Also Read: Hive mind meets deep space: Honeybees did MATHS, revealing what an alien’s first words could be Dust grains, gases and signs of planet formation Through ALMA, the team was able to map the locations of dust grains and gas molecules in the system. They noted that these elements had placed themselves in distinct layers, and the gases included two forms of carbon monoxide and several sulfur-based molecules. The lightest gas resided above the midplane of GoHam, while the heaviest ones were near the midplane. The enormous amount of dust present in this disk is a sign that it could be home to several planets in the future. This cosmic burger is lopsided, has an extended and brighter dust emission on one side, and traces of a "photoevaporative wind" on the northern side. The former is what will give birth to planets someday. An arc of sulfur monoxide beyond the dust of the disk and only on one side aligns with a dense clump of material labelled "GoHam b". Astronomers believe this is matter collapsing under its own gravity, and possibly the earliest stage of planet formation in the outer disk.

<p>The biggest known cosmic hamburger, a giant protoplanetary disk, is showing signs of planet formation. Scientists are watching closely as they eagerly await planets to be formed from all the dust that is present in this system.</p>

Monster 'cosmic hamburger' shows signs of major activity that points to something huge

<p>Fear and panic gripped parts of Rajasthan's Alwar city on Monday morning (Jan 12) after a bomb like object fitted with a timer fell from a man's shawl during an altercation, police said. A team of Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS), accompanied Bomb disposal squad from the state's capital Jaipur deployed at the site to examine the object.</p><p><br>According to police, a bomb-like object, fitted with a timer, was found near a house in Vivaknand Nagar sector-4, under the jurisdiction of Aravali Vihar police station. The discovery prompted an immediate police response and sealing of the surrounding area.</p><p><br>After securing the area, cops shifted the suspicious object to Jaisamand dam, located around 6.5 kilometres from the city, imposing restrictions on the movement of people in the area. The entire area surrounding the dam was cordoned off as a precautionary measure.</p><p><br>The bomb disposal squad destroyed the object by triggering a controlled blast. The explosion sounded like a firecracker without causing any damage. The squad confirmed no explosive material was found inside the object.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-german-chancellor-merz-share-car-ride-vow-to-deepen-strategic-ties-india-germany-european-union-car-ride-1768216724311"><strong>PM Modi, German Chancellor Merz share car ride; vow to deepen ties in strategic sectors</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The object was deliberately designed to resemble a time bomb, the police said, adding that there is no threat to the safety of citizens from the object, restoring calm in the locality.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A local resident, near whose house the object was discovered, said a suspicious youth entered his home early in the morning, leading to a scuffle. During the altercation, a bomb-like object fell from the youth’s shawl.</p><h2>Bomb rumour turns out to be fake</h2><p>Police confirmed that the bomb threat was false and the recovered object was more like a toy to trigger fear among the residents, while the probe is underway to identify the suspect and ascertain the motive.</p>

Police confirmed that the bomb threat was false and the recovered object was more like a toy to trigger fear among the residents, while the probe is underway to identify the suspect and ascertain the motive.

Fear and panic gripped parts of Rajasthan's Alwar city on Monday morning (Jan 12) after a bomb like object fitted with a timer fell from a man's shawl during an altercation, police said. A team of Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS), accompanied Bomb disposal squad from the state's capital Jaipur deployed at the site to examine the object. According to police, a bomb-like object, fitted with a timer, was found near a house in Vivaknand Nagar sector-4, under the jurisdiction of Aravali Vihar police station. The discovery prompted an immediate police response and sealing of the surrounding area. After securing the area, cops shifted the suspicious object to Jaisamand dam, located around 6.5 kilometres from the city, imposing restrictions on the movement of people in the area. The entire area surrounding the dam was cordoned off as a precautionary measure. The bomb disposal squad destroyed the object by triggering a controlled blast. The explosion sounded like a firecracker without causing any damage. The squad confirmed no explosive material was found inside the object. Also Read: PM Modi, German Chancellor Merz share car ride; vow to deepen ties in strategic sectors The object was deliberately designed to resemble a time bomb, the police said, adding that there is no threat to the safety of citizens from the object, restoring calm in the locality. A local resident, near whose house the object was discovered, said a suspicious youth entered his home early in the morning, leading to a scuffle. During the altercation, a bomb-like object fell from the youth’s shawl. Bomb rumour turns out to be fake Police confirmed that the bomb threat was false and the recovered object was more like a toy to trigger fear among the residents, while the probe is underway to identify the suspect and ascertain the motive.

<p>Police confirmed that the bomb threat was false and the recovered object was more like a toy to trigger fear among the residents, while the probe is underway to identify the suspect and ascertain the motive.</p>

Bomb-like object with timer triggers panic in Rajasthan’s Alwar

<p>After the divorce between Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, assets worth nearly $8 billion were transferred as part of their settlement. This comes after the newly disclosed tax filings have shed light on their financial scale. The filings highlighted that the asset transfers were routed through a web of charitable trusts and investment entities after the couple’s divorce announcement in 2021, bringing their 27-year marriage to an end.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>At the time, both sides kept the financial details confidential, making the latest disclosures the clearest indication yet of how the settlement was arranged. Much of the wealth appears linked to Melinda French Gates’ decision to move away from joint philanthropy and focus on her own initiatives. Instead of a simple cash payout, assets were largely directed into philanthropic and long-term impact structures, reflecting the Gateses’ long-standing wealth strategy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rather than a straightforward cash settlement, much of the wealth was channelled through philanthropic and long-term impact vehicles, consistent with the Gateses’ long-standing approach to managing their fortune. According to a tax filing earlier reported by the New York Times’ DealBook, the Microsoft co-founder committed $7.88 billion to French Gates’ private foundation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The transfer significantly expanded the scale of Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation, firmly establishing French Gates as a major force in US philanthropy. Established in 2022, Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation says its mission is to “accelerate the pace of social progress for women and young people.”</p><h3>Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates' separation</h3><p>According to tax filings, the Gates donation led to the significant Philanthropies’ assets up by over 1,000 per cent and raised nearly $7.4 billion in 2024 from $604 million at the end of 2023, Fortune reported. The sudden spike placed the foundation among the ranks of the largest private philanthropies of the US just over a year after both of them separated their philanthropic operations in May 2024.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The $7.88 billion transfer is part of a larger $12.5 billion sum that French Gates previously said would be distributed under what she called her “agreement with Bill.” According to Fortune, the entire $12.5 billion has now been paid, with Bill Gates’ contribution making up a portion of that total.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, the destination of the remaining roughly $4.6 billion is still unknown. DealBook reported that the money may have been directed to French Gates’ wider Pivotal LLC, which is not required to file tax returns and is therefore exempt from the public disclosure rules that apply to charitable foundations.</p>

Much of the wealth appears linked to Melinda French Gates’ decision to move away from joint philanthropy and focus on her own initiatives. Instead of a simple cash payout, assets were largely directed into philanthropic and long-term impact structures.

After the divorce between Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, assets worth nearly $8 billion were transferred as part of their settlement. This comes after the newly disclosed tax filings have shed light on their financial scale. The filings highlighted that the asset transfers were routed through a web of charitable trusts and investment entities after the couple’s divorce announcement in 2021, bringing their 27-year marriage to an end. At the time, both sides kept the financial details confidential, making the latest disclosures the clearest indication yet of how the settlement was arranged. Much of the wealth appears linked to Melinda French Gates’ decision to move away from joint philanthropy and focus on her own initiatives. Instead of a simple cash payout, assets were largely directed into philanthropic and long-term impact structures, reflecting the Gateses’ long-standing wealth strategy. Rather than a straightforward cash settlement, much of the wealth was channelled through philanthropic and long-term impact vehicles, consistent with the Gateses’ long-standing approach to managing their fortune. According to a tax filing earlier reported by the New York Times’ DealBook, the Microsoft co-founder committed $7.88 billion to French Gates’ private foundation. The transfer significantly expanded the scale of Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation, firmly establishing French Gates as a major force in US philanthropy. Established in 2022, Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation says its mission is to “accelerate the pace of social progress for women and young people.” Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates' separation According to tax filings, the Gates donation led to the significant Philanthropies’ assets up by over 1,000 per cent and raised nearly $7.4 billion in 2024 from $604 million at the end of 2023, Fortune reported. The sudden spike placed the foundation among the ranks of the largest private philanthropies of the US just over a year after both of them separated their philanthropic operations in May 2024. The $7.88 billion transfer is part of a larger $12.5 billion sum that French Gates previously said would be distributed under what she called her “agreement with Bill.” According to Fortune, the entire $12.5 billion has now been paid, with Bill Gates’ contribution making up a portion of that total. However, the destination of the remaining roughly $4.6 billion is still unknown. DealBook reported that the money may have been directed to French Gates’ wider Pivotal LLC, which is not required to file tax returns and is therefore exempt from the public disclosure rules that apply to charitable foundations.

<p>Much of the wealth appears linked to Melinda French Gates’ decision to move away from joint philanthropy and focus on her own initiatives. Instead of a simple cash payout, assets were largely directed into philanthropic and long-term impact structures.</p>

Bill Gates transfers nearly $8 billion to ex-wife Melinda French Gates’ foundation after divorce

<p>Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, who has been at the forefront in voicing concerns of gig economy workers in the country, took a step further by stepping into the role of a Blinkit delivery partner for a day. Chadha shared a video of himself donning the uniform of a gig worker, captioned “Away from boardrooms, at the grassroots. I lived there day."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a post on X, the AAP leader changed into a Blinkit T-shirt and jacket before taking a delivery bag from a rider and was seen riding pillion on a scooter, stopping at a store to pick up items, travelling towards the delivery location. The clip further shows that at the customer's doorstep, the rider steps out of the lift and rings the bell as Chadha follows closely behind.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Away from boardrooms, at the grassroots. I lived their day.<br><br>Stay tuned! <a href="https://t.co/exGBNFGD3T">pic.twitter.com/exGBNFGD3T</a></p>&mdash; Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) <a href="https://twitter.com/raghav_chadha/status/2010585064737001647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The video comes weeks after Raghav Chadha raised concerns of platform and gig workers in Parliament, including low pay, long working hours and the lack of social security for the delivery partners and other app-based service providers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-german-chancellor-merz-share-car-ride-vow-to-deepen-strategic-ties-india-germany-european-union-car-ride-1768216724311"><strong>PM Modi, German Chancellor Merz share car ride; vow to deepen ties in strategic sectors</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>During the winter session of the parliament, Chadha urged the government to put a ban on 10-minute delivery services offered by quick commerce and ultra-fast delivery platforms. He argued that the 10-minute delivery culture creates pressure on gig workers to overspeed and put their lives in danger to meet the tight deadlines.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, in another post on X, Chadha shared a video of his interaction with delivery workers from different quick-commerce companies.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"These platforms didn’t succeed because of algorithms alone. They succeeded because of human sweat and labour. It’s time companies start treating riders as human beings, not disposable data points. The gig economy cannot become a guilt-free exploitation economy,” he said.</p><p><br>The gig economy has emerged as one of the key employment providers in India. As per a NITI Aayog report, the gig workforce is anticipated to reach nearly 23.5 million by 2029-30, making around 4.1 per cent of the country's total workforce and 6.7 per cent of the non-agricultural workforce.&nbsp;</p>

Chadha has been at the forefront of voicing concerns of gig workers, such as low pay and long working hours, and has sought a ban on 10-minute delivery in Parliament.

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, who has been at the forefront in voicing concerns of gig economy workers in the country, took a step further by stepping into the role of a Blinkit delivery partner for a day. Chadha shared a video of himself donning the uniform of a gig worker, captioned “Away from boardrooms, at the grassroots. I lived there day." In a post on X, the AAP leader changed into a Blinkit T-shirt and jacket before taking a delivery bag from a rider and was seen riding pillion on a scooter, stopping at a store to pick up items, travelling towards the delivery location. The clip further shows that at the customer's doorstep, the rider steps out of the lift and rings the bell as Chadha follows closely behind.

<p>Chadha has been at the forefront of voicing concerns of gig workers, such as low pay and long working hours, and has sought a ban on 10-minute delivery in Parliament.</p>

Raghav Chadha turns Blinkit delivery rider for a day, drops teaser

Even eight decades after the end of World War II, aircraft carriers remain among the most powerful and strategically vital weapons in the world. Here's the list of the 5 most powerful aircraft carriers sailing the seas in 2026.

From superpowers to supercarriers: The 5 most powerful warships at sea in 2026

<p>In an incident that was initially believed to be a case of accidental fire in a flat in an apartment in Bengaluru, a 18-year-old has been arrested for the murder of 34-year-old software engineer, identified as Sharmila Kushalappa. The body of software professional Sharmila was found in her apartment about a week ago.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But after investigations opened in the case that was initially believed to be a fire caused by a short circuit in the house, police zeroed in on the victim's neighbour Karnal Kurai, originally a resident of Kerala.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It was the forensic examination that revealed the victim had been suffocated to death and the fire was set intentionally to get rid of any evidence.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On the day of the incident, Kurai, who lived with his single mother next door entered the victim’s flat through a sliding window at around 9 PM. He then asked for sexual favours from the woman which was declined after which he got enraged and killed her.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The teen confessed to the crime during the police investigation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

On the day of the incident, Kurai, who lived with his single mother next door entered the victim’s flat through a sliding window at around 9 PM and demanded for sexual favours.

In an incident that was initially believed to be a case of accidental fire in a flat in an apartment in Bengaluru, a 18-year-old has been arrested for the murder of 34-year-old software engineer, identified as Sharmila Kushalappa. The body of software professional Sharmila was found in her apartment about a week ago. But after investigations opened in the case that was initially believed to be a fire caused by a short circuit in the house, police zeroed in on the victim's neighbour Karnal Kurai, originally a resident of Kerala. It was the forensic examination that revealed the victim had been suffocated to death and the fire was set intentionally to get rid of any evidence. On the day of the incident, Kurai, who lived with his single mother next door entered the victim’s flat through a sliding window at around 9 PM. He then asked for sexual favours from the woman which was declined after which he got enraged and killed her. The teen confessed to the crime during the police investigation.

<p>On the day of the incident, Kurai, who lived with his single mother next door entered the victim’s flat through a sliding window at around 9 PM and demanded for sexual favours.</p>

Bengaluru techie killed for resisting sexual favours, 18-year-old arrested

<p>Amid the freezing temperatures, while many places turn into a winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes, Amsterdam streets have turned into chaos and laughter. A video of people struggling to walk, bike or even drive cars on the streets of the city in winter has gone viral on social media. The hilarious video captures the chaos on the city’s busy street that has been glazed with a layer of ice, turning it into a slippery ice rink.</p><p>The video shows pedestrians struggling to stand and walk, while the bikers are seen tumbling due to the ice on the street. Even the cars are seen skidding to the sidewalk as their tyres fail to get a grip on the freezing road. At the end of the video, a person is seen slipping on the street while lying, seemingly giving up.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Amsterdam unlocked hard mode ❄️🛼 Streets or ice rink—who brought skates today? 😂 <a href="https://t.co/SOfhB2ejkv">pic.twitter.com/SOfhB2ejkv</a></p>&mdash; HUMOR (@naturel_1919) <a href="https://twitter.com/naturel_1919/status/2010637886509449595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The video has been widely circulated on social media platforms, gaining millions of views and inciting laughter among people with their hilarious reactions in the comments section.</p><p>“Amsterdam unlocked hard mode. Streets or ice rink—who brought skates today?” wrote a person resharing the video on X.</p><p>“There will never be something as funny as humans trying to walk on ice,” one social media user said. Another replied to them saying, “Until you are the one trying to do it. I swear, never again will I laugh, it’s a horrible feeling.”</p><p>One joked, “Bike skating is the newest sport in Amsterdam.” While a person said, “Get your skates on.” Another suggested, “Put socks outside shoes.”</p><p>“People vs Ice is always a classic,” a user said. “Funny but also really dangerous, be careful out there,” said another. A person noted, “Even without the ice, the bikers fall off a lot in that city.”</p>

A viral video shows Amsterdam streets turning into a slippery ice rink, with pedestrians, cyclists and cars struggling to stay upright. The chaotic winter scenes have sparked laughter online, drawing millions of views and humorous reactions.

Amid the freezing temperatures, while many places turn into a winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes, Amsterdam streets have turned into chaos and laughter. A video of people struggling to walk, bike or even drive cars on the streets of the city in winter has gone viral on social media. The hilarious video captures the chaos on the city’s busy street that has been glazed with a layer of ice, turning it into a slippery ice rink. The video shows pedestrians struggling to stand and walk, while the bikers are seen tumbling due to the ice on the street. Even the cars are seen skidding to the sidewalk as their tyres fail to get a grip on the freezing road. At the end of the video, a person is seen slipping on the street while lying, seemingly giving up.

<p>A viral video shows Amsterdam streets turning into a slippery ice rink, with pedestrians, cyclists and cars struggling to stay upright. The chaotic winter scenes have sparked laughter online, drawing millions of views and humorous reactions.</p>

‘Streets or ice rink’: Viral video captures chaos in Amsterdam as people struggle on icy roads – WATCH

<p>Scientists have discovered a spider species with a smaller genome while maintaining high genetic diversity, in a first-of-its-kind case. The creature on the Canary Islands is changing the way evolution is believed to work. Throughout its time on Earth, Dysdera tilosensis has reduced its DNA content by half, a genome downsizing seen for the first time in an animal. The island spider was compared to its mainland counterpart, and the two closely related spiders were found to be extremely different. The study was published in Molecular Biology and Evolution by a team of researchers from the University of Barcelona. The scientists collaborated with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the University of Neuchâtel to study this unique spider that has managed to do the unthinkable. They used high-quality sequencing methods to compare Dysdera catalonica, a continental species found in Catalonia and southern France, and D. tilosensis, which lives only on Gran Canaria.</p><h2><strong>Smaller genome, greater genetic diversity</strong></h2><p>The researchers were stunned to see that D. catalonica has a genome of about 3.3 billion base pairs, while D. tilosensis carries just 1.7 billion. Despite carrying almost half the genome, the latter does not display reduced genetic diversity. Professor Julio Rozas wrote, "Despite having a smaller genome, the species from the Canary Islands shows greater genetic diversity." The findings contradict the belief that creatures with small, isolated populations experience hurdles in genetic growth and a drop in diversity. The number of chromosomes was also found to differ, with D. catalonica recording four autosomes and one X sex chromosome, while D. tilosensis has six autosomes plus the X.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dinosaur-era-bird-found-with-800-stones-jammed-in-its-throat-1767012949400"><strong>Dinosaur-era bird found with 800 stones jammed in its throat: It ate them all. Why?</strong></a></p><h2><strong>D. tilosensis defies the basic rule of evolution&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Evolutionary biology has long believed that species living in isolated spots, such as islands, accumulate non-functional DNA and expand their genomes over several years. However, the reverse is in fact true for D. tilosensis. Professor Sara Guirao says that the two spiders had a common ancestor, and genome analysis and flow cytometry measurements indicate that it had a genome close to 3 billion base pairs. Since D. tilosensis carries just 1.7 billion of these, it proves that the reduction is acquired and has happened over time. The finding shows that instead of adapting by adding new DNA, the spider likely underwent a process of genomic streamlining, which caused repetitive sequences that had no function to be eliminated.&nbsp;</p>

A spider species that has gone in reverse during evolution has left scientists stumped. This Dysdera tilosensis has reduced its DNA content by half, something that should not have happened, going by the current rules of life.

Scientists have discovered a spider species with a smaller genome while maintaining high genetic diversity, in a first-of-its-kind case. The creature on the Canary Islands is changing the way evolution is believed to work. Throughout its time on Earth, Dysdera tilosensis has reduced its DNA content by half, a genome downsizing seen for the first time in an animal. The island spider was compared to its mainland counterpart, and the two closely related spiders were found to be extremely different. The study was published in Molecular Biology and Evolution by a team of researchers from the University of Barcelona. The scientists collaborated with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the University of Neuchâtel to study this unique spider that has managed to do the unthinkable. They used high-quality sequencing methods to compare Dysdera catalonica, a continental species found in Catalonia and southern France, and D. tilosensis, which lives only on Gran Canaria. Smaller genome, greater genetic diversity The researchers were stunned to see that D. catalonica has a genome of about 3.3 billion base pairs, while D. tilosensis carries just 1.7 billion. Despite carrying almost half the genome, the latter does not display reduced genetic diversity. Professor Julio Rozas wrote, "Despite having a smaller genome, the species from the Canary Islands shows greater genetic diversity." The findings contradict the belief that creatures with small, isolated populations experience hurdles in genetic growth and a drop in diversity. The number of chromosomes was also found to differ, with D. catalonica recording four autosomes and one X sex chromosome, while D. tilosensis has six autosomes plus the X. Also Read: Dinosaur-era bird found with 800 stones jammed in its throat: It ate them all. Why? D. tilosensis defies the basic rule of evolution Evolutionary biology has long believed that species living in isolated spots, such as islands, accumulate non-functional DNA and expand their genomes over several years. However, the reverse is in fact true for D. tilosensis. Professor Sara Guirao says that the two spiders had a common ancestor, and genome analysis and flow cytometry measurements indicate that it had a genome close to 3 billion base pairs. Since D. tilosensis carries just 1.7 billion of these, it proves that the reduction is acquired and has happened over time. The finding shows that instead of adapting by adding new DNA, the spider likely underwent a process of genomic streamlining, which caused repetitive sequences that had no function to be eliminated.

<p>A spider species that has gone in reverse during evolution has left scientists stumped. This Dysdera tilosensis has reduced its DNA content by half, something that should not have happened, going by the current rules of life.</p>

Creature that has chomped down on its DNA by half is evolving in reverse

<p>A UK couple, who were in the US for a performance while the woman was 33 weeks pregnant, received a terrible shock when they were handed a $200,000 medical bill following a premature delivery. Folk duo Issy Ferris and Archie Sylvester had travelled to Nashville for a tour. During their second last show, Issy started feeling sick. She was throwing up and assumed that it was because of food poisoning. However, she was suffering from pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous pregnancy complication, but was unaware. This meant that her baby had to be delivered via emergency C-section, as it could prove deadly to the mother and the baby. She was taken to the hospital, where she gave birth to a baby boy. However, they could not believe the bills they were handed that totalled to a whopping $200,000. The couple tried using their travel insurance to cover the bills, but the agency declined. After months of legal hassle, the insurance company finally paid the medical expenses.</p><h2><strong>Issy fell sick during the concert</strong></h2><p>Issy was supposed to go on maternity leave after the show in the US. The couple had chosen a top travel insurance plan but had not imagined something like this happening. Issy was 25 at the time and says that when she fell sick during the concert, she was in denial. "I was 25, I’d never been seriously ill before. I had been on stage singing the night before. And suddenly there I was, fighting for mine and my child’s life in a hospital thousands of miles from home," Issy said. She says the insurance company's behaviour and refusal to foot the bill added to their stress after the birth of their child.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/south-african-man-who-smoked-since-age-14-dies-from-asthma-attack-hours-after-turning-121-1767955138917"><strong>South African man who smoked since age 14 dies from asthma attack hours after turning 121</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Couple were about to sell their house</strong></h2><p>"I spent months examining my medical records in order to build my case against a huge company that should have behaved better, and instead claimed ignorance of an illness which was included in their insurance policy," she said. They were on the verge of selling their Somerset house as they could not get the company to pay. The couple said that pre-eclampsia was clearly covered in the fine print of the insurance policy. Pregnant women are also allowed to fly until their 36th week, she said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Issy said she experienced chest pains and vomited for eight hours. Fearing dehydration, she sought medical help and was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. The doctors tried to stabilise her with a magnesium drip, but she was later told that an immediate birth is necessary in this scenario. The baby was kept in the NICU for three weeks, and they spent five more weeks in the US for the baby's health. The insurance company's underwriters refused to cover the entire amount. "The insurance company made the whole process much more traumatic," Issy said.<br>&nbsp;</p>

A couple in the UK were handed $200,000 in medical bills after the woman underwent an emergency C-Section in the US. Their travel insurance company refused to pay, which led to a lengthy legal battle. 

A UK couple, who were in the US for a performance while the woman was 33 weeks pregnant, received a terrible shock when they were handed a $200,000 medical bill following a premature delivery. Folk duo Issy Ferris and Archie Sylvester had travelled to Nashville for a tour. During their second last show, Issy started feeling sick. She was throwing up and assumed that it was because of food poisoning. However, she was suffering from pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous pregnancy complication, but was unaware. This meant that her baby had to be delivered via emergency C-section, as it could prove deadly to the mother and the baby. She was taken to the hospital, where she gave birth to a baby boy. However, they could not believe the bills they were handed that totalled to a whopping $200,000. The couple tried using their travel insurance to cover the bills, but the agency declined. After months of legal hassle, the insurance company finally paid the medical expenses. Issy fell sick during the concert Issy was supposed to go on maternity leave after the show in the US. The couple had chosen a top travel insurance plan but had not imagined something like this happening. Issy was 25 at the time and says that when she fell sick during the concert, she was in denial. "I was 25, I’d never been seriously ill before. I had been on stage singing the night before. And suddenly there I was, fighting for mine and my child’s life in a hospital thousands of miles from home," Issy said. She says the insurance company's behaviour and refusal to foot the bill added to their stress after the birth of their child. Also Read: South African man who smoked since age 14 dies from asthma attack hours after turning 121 Couple were about to sell their house "I spent months examining my medical records in order to build my case against a huge company that should have behaved better, and instead claimed ignorance of an illness which was included in their insurance policy," she said. They were on the verge of selling their Somerset house as they could not get the company to pay. The couple said that pre-eclampsia was clearly covered in the fine print of the insurance policy. Pregnant women are also allowed to fly until their 36th week, she said. Issy said she experienced chest pains and vomited for eight hours. Fearing dehydration, she sought medical help and was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. The doctors tried to stabilise her with a magnesium drip, but she was later told that an immediate birth is necessary in this scenario. The baby was kept in the NICU for three weeks, and they spent five more weeks in the US for the baby's health. The insurance company's underwriters refused to cover the entire amount. "The insurance company made the whole process much more traumatic," Issy said.

<p>A couple in the UK were handed $200,000 in medical bills after the woman underwent an emergency C-Section in the US. Their travel insurance company refused to pay, which led to a lengthy legal battle.&nbsp;</p>

UK couple billed $200,000 in US for premature delivery, faces insurance hassle

<p>Scientists have discovered a set of ultra-fast-rotating asteroids in the solar system, with one of them spinning at dizzying speeds never seen before. NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory, jointly funded by the US National Science Foundation and the US Department of Energy's Office of Science, spotted 19 of them in the Asteroid Belt that sits between Mars and Jupiter. Rubin Observatory is a joint Program of NSF NOIRLab and DOE’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The findings were described in a study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Researchers say that the speed of rotation of an asteroid can indicate how it was formed, its composition and the changes it underwent throughout its life. If an asteroid is spinning at an extremely fast pace, it could mean that it encountered another rock and could even break apart soon. Of the 76 asteroids mentioned in the paper, 16 are super-fast rotators, rotating between 13 minutes and 2.2 hours, while three are ultra-fast ones, rotating once every five minutes or less.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>All 19 asteroids are a minimum of 300 feet long, with some over 3,000 feet in diameter. The one that is the most intriguing is 2025 MN45, as it has been given the title of the fastest-spinning asteroid among rocks measuring 500 metres or more. This asteroid is a whopping 2,300 feet in diameter and rotates once every 1.88 minutes. This speed should have led it to break apart, but that hasn't happened. “Clearly, this asteroid must be made of material that has very high strength in order to keep it in one piece as it spins so rapidly,” lead author Sarah Greenstreet said in a NOIRLab statement.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/orphan-saturn-10-000-light-years-away-billions-of-rogue-planets-could-be-lost-in-the-milky-way-1767881425029"><strong>Orphan Saturn 10,000 light-years away: Billions of rogue planets could be lost in the Milky Way</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Asteroids spinning at ultra-fast speeds</strong></h2><p>Greenstreet is also the lead of Rubin Observatory’s Solar System Science Collaboration’s Near-Earth Objects and Interstellar Objects working group. She added that asteroid 2025 MN45 should have a strength of a solid piece of rock to have remained intact till now. "This is somewhat surprising since most asteroids are believed to be what we call ‘rubble pile’ asteroids, which means they are made of many, many small pieces of rock and debris that coalesced under gravity during Solar System formation or subsequent collisions," she said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She also heaped praises on the Rubin observatory, saying, "Rubin is successfully allowing us to study a population of relatively small, very-rapidly-rotating main-belt asteroids that hadn’t been reachable before." The Rubin Observatory, with the Simonyi Survey Telescope and LSST Camera at its core, is conducting&nbsp;the 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST).</p>

An asteroid spinning every 1.88 minutes has been discovered in the Asteroid Belt. Scientists are stunned to see the 2,300-foot rock going at such a fast speed. The discovery was made by the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

Scientists have discovered a set of ultra-fast-rotating asteroids in the solar system, with one of them spinning at dizzying speeds never seen before. NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory, jointly funded by the US National Science Foundation and the US Department of Energy's Office of Science, spotted 19 of them in the Asteroid Belt that sits between Mars and Jupiter. Rubin Observatory is a joint Program of NSF NOIRLab and DOE’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The findings were described in a study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Researchers say that the speed of rotation of an asteroid can indicate how it was formed, its composition and the changes it underwent throughout its life. If an asteroid is spinning at an extremely fast pace, it could mean that it encountered another rock and could even break apart soon. Of the 76 asteroids mentioned in the paper, 16 are super-fast rotators, rotating between 13 minutes and 2.2 hours, while three are ultra-fast ones, rotating once every five minutes or less. All 19 asteroids are a minimum of 300 feet long, with some over 3,000 feet in diameter. The one that is the most intriguing is 2025 MN45, as it has been given the title of the fastest-spinning asteroid among rocks measuring 500 metres or more. This asteroid is a whopping 2,300 feet in diameter and rotates once every 1.88 minutes. This speed should have led it to break apart, but that hasn't happened. “Clearly, this asteroid must be made of material that has very high strength in order to keep it in one piece as it spins so rapidly,” lead author Sarah Greenstreet said in a NOIRLab statement. Also Read: Orphan Saturn 10,000 light-years away: Billions of rogue planets could be lost in the Milky Way Asteroids spinning at ultra-fast speeds Greenstreet is also the lead of Rubin Observatory’s Solar System Science Collaboration’s Near-Earth Objects and Interstellar Objects working group. She added that asteroid 2025 MN45 should have a strength of a solid piece of rock to have remained intact till now. "This is somewhat surprising since most asteroids are believed to be what we call ‘rubble pile’ asteroids, which means they are made of many, many small pieces of rock and debris that coalesced under gravity during Solar System formation or subsequent collisions," she said. She also heaped praises on the Rubin observatory, saying, "Rubin is successfully allowing us to study a population of relatively small, very-rapidly-rotating main-belt asteroids that hadn’t been reachable before." The Rubin Observatory, with the Simonyi Survey Telescope and LSST Camera at its core, is conducting the 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST).

<p>An asteroid spinning every 1.88 minutes has been discovered in the Asteroid Belt. Scientists are stunned to see the 2,300-foot rock going at such a fast speed. The discovery was made by the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory.</p>

Asteroid spinning every 1.88 minutes is an anomaly because of its massive size

<p>Social media platform X will make its new algorithm accessible to the public, including all code for organic and advertising post recommendations, in seven days. Elon Musk on Saturday said everyone will be able to see the code used that govern what posts are recommended to the users.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We will make the new X algorithm, including all code used to determine what organic and advertising posts are recommended to users, open source in 7 days," Musk, who owns X, said in a post, adding that "This will be repeated every 4 weeks, with comprehensive developer notes, to help you understand what changed."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The announcement comes after European regulators have intensified the scrutiny of the company regarding concerns over misinformation, inadequate content moderation and lack of transparency.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>X, formerly known as Twitter, has been at odds with regulators in several countries since its takeover by Elon Musk, who acquired the social media platform in a $44 billion deal in October 2022.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Last Month, the European Union imposed a $140 million fine on X for breaching the bloc's transparency rules under the Digital Service Act. The regulators said the penalty was levied in connection with X's deceptive blue tick checkmark, Flawed ad repository and researcher data barriers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/grok-controversy-indonesia-suspends-musk-s-ai-chatbot-uk-considers-action-against-x-over-sexualised-ai-images-ai-images-sexual-images-1768049551341"><strong>Grok controversy: Indonesia suspends Musk’s AI chatbot; UK considers banning X over sexualised AI images</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br>In July, the French authorities asked the company to provide its algorithm as part of an investigation into suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In recent days, the Grok AI chatbot embedded in X has faced mounting scrutiny from governments worldwide. On Saturday, the Indonesian government suspended Grok over concerns related to AI-generated pornographic content.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Developed by Musk-owned xAI, Grok has drawn backlash in several countries, including India and the United Kingdom, over its image-generation feature, which allowed users to sexualise and share images of women and children using simple text prompts. Indonesia has become the first country to block the tool entirely.</p>

The platform will update its algorithm every four weeks, publishing detailed developer notes alongside each change.

Social media platform X will make its new algorithm accessible to the public, including all code for organic and advertising post recommendations, in seven days. Elon Musk on Saturday said everyone will be able to see the code used that govern what posts are recommended to the users. "We will make the new X algorithm, including all code used to determine what organic and advertising posts are recommended to users, open source in 7 days," Musk, who owns X, said in a post, adding that "This will be repeated every 4 weeks, with comprehensive developer notes, to help you understand what changed." The announcement comes after European regulators have intensified the scrutiny of the company regarding concerns over misinformation, inadequate content moderation and lack of transparency. X, formerly known as Twitter, has been at odds with regulators in several countries since its takeover by Elon Musk, who acquired the social media platform in a $44 billion deal in October 2022. Last Month, the European Union imposed a $140 million fine on X for breaching the bloc's transparency rules under the Digital Service Act. The regulators said the penalty was levied in connection with X's deceptive blue tick checkmark, Flawed ad repository and researcher data barriers. Also Read: Grok controversy: Indonesia suspends Musk’s AI chatbot; UK considers banning X over sexualised AI images In July, the French authorities asked the company to provide its algorithm as part of an investigation into suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction. In recent days, the Grok AI chatbot embedded in X has faced mounting scrutiny from governments worldwide. On Saturday, the Indonesian government suspended Grok over concerns related to AI-generated pornographic content. Developed by Musk-owned xAI, Grok has drawn backlash in several countries, including India and the United Kingdom, over its image-generation feature, which allowed users to sexualise and share images of women and children using simple text prompts. Indonesia has become the first country to block the tool entirely.

<p>The platform will update its algorithm every four weeks, publishing detailed developer notes alongside each change.</p>

Why your X timeline looks the way it does: Musk to make algorithm public in seven days

National Youth Day in India is celebrated on the Swami Vivekananda Jayanti annually on January 12. This day highlights youth empowerment, character-building and self-belief. On the eve of the National Youth Day, we will explore the top 7 nations with the highest young population in the world.

National Youth Day 2026: These 7 countries have the youngest populations on Earth

<p>Swami Vivekananda Jayanti is observed every year on January 12 with deep devotion and respect, as he was greatest spiritual leaders and thinkers. The sacred day also holds strong cultural and national importance. Known as the torchbearer of Sanatan Dharma and Vedanta philosophy, Swami Vivekananda continues to inspire generations with his teachings on discipline, strength, patriotism, spirituality, and self-belief.</p><h3>What is the history and significance of Swami Vivekananda Jayanti?</h3><p>One of India’s greatest spiritual leaders and thinkers, Swami Vivekananda Jayanti was born in 1863 in Kolkata as Narendranath Datta. He was a key disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and played a major role in introducing Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Swami Vivekananda rose to global prominence after his historic speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893, where his opening words, “Sisters and Brothers of America,” earned him a standing ovation. His message of universal brotherhood, religious tolerance and spiritual humanism left a lasting impact across cultures.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The day is also celebrated as National Youth Day in India, highlighting his emphasis on youth empowerment, character-building and self-belief. Swami Vivekananda believed that the strength of a nation lies in its young people and encouraged them to combine spiritual wisdom with scientific temper and social responsibility.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Government of India has been observing January 12th as National Youth Day since 1984 to honour Swami Vivekananda's invaluable contribution to the upliftment of youth.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Swami Vivekananda Jayanti serves as a reminder of his enduring teachings on courage, service and unity. His ideas continue to inspire millions, guiding individuals and society towards moral strength, national pride and global harmony. He also taught to serve humanity with compassion, and remain connected to one's cultural roots while striving for progress. These teachings have been continuously guiding millions on the path of courage, clear thinking, devotion, and self-confidence.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The Government of India has been observing January 12th as National Youth Day since 1984 to honour Vivekananda's invaluable contribution to the upliftment of youth. His teachings have been continuously guiding millions on the path of courage, clear thinking, devotion, and self-confidence.

Swami Vivekananda Jayanti is observed every year on January 12 with deep devotion and respect, as he was greatest spiritual leaders and thinkers. The sacred day also holds strong cultural and national importance. Known as the torchbearer of Sanatan Dharma and Vedanta philosophy, Swami Vivekananda continues to inspire generations with his teachings on discipline, strength, patriotism, spirituality, and self-belief. What is the history and significance of Swami Vivekananda Jayanti? One of India’s greatest spiritual leaders and thinkers, Swami Vivekananda Jayanti was born in 1863 in Kolkata as Narendranath Datta. He was a key disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and played a major role in introducing Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. Swami Vivekananda rose to global prominence after his historic speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893, where his opening words, “Sisters and Brothers of America,” earned him a standing ovation. His message of universal brotherhood, religious tolerance and spiritual humanism left a lasting impact across cultures. The day is also celebrated as National Youth Day in India, highlighting his emphasis on youth empowerment, character-building and self-belief. Swami Vivekananda believed that the strength of a nation lies in its young people and encouraged them to combine spiritual wisdom with scientific temper and social responsibility. The Government of India has been observing January 12th as National Youth Day since 1984 to honour Swami Vivekananda's invaluable contribution to the upliftment of youth. Swami Vivekananda Jayanti serves as a reminder of his enduring teachings on courage, service and unity. His ideas continue to inspire millions, guiding individuals and society towards moral strength, national pride and global harmony. He also taught to serve humanity with compassion, and remain connected to one's cultural roots while striving for progress. These teachings have been continuously guiding millions on the path of courage, clear thinking, devotion, and self-confidence.

<p>The Government of India has been observing January 12th as National Youth Day since 1984 to honour Vivekananda's invaluable contribution to the upliftment of youth. His teachings have been continuously guiding millions on the path of courage, clear thinking, devotion, and self-confidence.</p>

Swami Vivekananda Jayanti 2026: History, significance and timeless teachings that awakened India’s youth

<p>The Norwegian Nobel Committee stated that a Peace Prize can not be "shared, revoked and transferred once it is awarded to someone. The clarification comes days after Nobel Laureate and Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado said she wants to give the Nobel Peace Prize to United States President Donald Trump. &nbsp;"A Nobel Prize can neither be revoked, shared, nor transferred to others. Once the announcement has been made, the decision stands for all time," the Nobel Committee's statement read.</p><p><br>The Nobel Institute further clarified that the Nobel Laureate can only share the prize money with whoever they want, but the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred or shared with another person.</p><p><br>"As a matter of principle, the Norwegian Nobel Committee will not comment upon what the Peace Prize Laureates may say and do after they have been awarded the prize," adding that "This does not prevent the Committee from following the future endeavours of laureates closely, even though it expresses neither its concerns nor its acclamation," it asserted.</p><p><br>Trump, on several occasions, declared himself as the most suitable candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to stop multiple wars in the world and for the "Abraham Accords" he brokered during his first term in White House. The US president, who refers to himself as 'president of peace', went lengths to get himself the prestigious award by alleging bias against him and securing multiple nominations from leaders of several countries.</p><p><br>Sports body FIFA and countries like Israel instituted a new peace prize to fulfil Trump's deep desire to get the Nobel Peace Prize. However, his efforts went to vain as it seems the Norwegian Nobel committee is not considering him for the award.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-vows-crackdown-on-protests-issues-death-penalty-warning-with-enemies-of-god-charge-1768060851170"><strong>Iran vows crackdown on protests, issues death penalty warning with ‘Enemies of God’ charge</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On Saturday, the US President said he will discuss Machado’s offer to give him her Nobel Peace Prize when she visits the United States next week. Machado’s visit comes at a time of high tensions between the United States and Venezuela, after the US military, in an operation, captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Trump's subsequent claims over control of the country’s vast oil reserves.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 for her work promoting democratic rights and a peaceful transition in Venezuela.&nbsp;</p>

The Norwegian Nobel Committee's statement comes after peace prize winner María Corina Machado offered to share her prize with Donald Trump. 

The Norwegian Nobel Committee stated that a Peace Prize can not be "shared, revoked and transferred once it is awarded to someone. The clarification comes days after Nobel Laureate and Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado said she wants to give the Nobel Peace Prize to United States President Donald Trump. "A Nobel Prize can neither be revoked, shared, nor transferred to others. Once the announcement has been made, the decision stands for all time," the Nobel Committee's statement read. The Nobel Institute further clarified that the Nobel Laureate can only share the prize money with whoever they want, but the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred or shared with another person. "As a matter of principle, the Norwegian Nobel Committee will not comment upon what the Peace Prize Laureates may say and do after they have been awarded the prize," adding that "This does not prevent the Committee from following the future endeavours of laureates closely, even though it expresses neither its concerns nor its acclamation," it asserted. Trump, on several occasions, declared himself as the most suitable candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to stop multiple wars in the world and for the "Abraham Accords" he brokered during his first term in White House. The US president, who refers to himself as 'president of peace', went lengths to get himself the prestigious award by alleging bias against him and securing multiple nominations from leaders of several countries. Sports body FIFA and countries like Israel instituted a new peace prize to fulfil Trump's deep desire to get the Nobel Peace Prize. However, his efforts went to vain as it seems the Norwegian Nobel committee is not considering him for the award. Also Read: Iran vows crackdown on protests, issues death penalty warning with ‘Enemies of God’ charge On Saturday, the US President said he will discuss Machado’s offer to give him her Nobel Peace Prize when she visits the United States next week. Machado’s visit comes at a time of high tensions between the United States and Venezuela, after the US military, in an operation, captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Trump's subsequent claims over control of the country’s vast oil reserves. María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 for her work promoting democratic rights and a peaceful transition in Venezuela.

<p>The Norwegian Nobel Committee's statement comes after peace prize winner María Corina Machado offered to share her prize with Donald Trump.&nbsp;</p>

Nobel Prize cannot be shared or transferred: Committee after Machado’s offer to give her award to Trump

<p>Billionaire Elon Musk's Grok AI chatbot, which is embedded in social media platform X, came under intense scrutiny from governments across the world as the Indonesian government on Saturday (Jan 10) suspended Grok over concerns regarding AI-generated pornographic content, the country's communication and digital affairs minister said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Grok has faced backlash from many countries, including India and the United Kingdom, over its image creation feature that allowed users to sexualize and share pictures of women and children using simple text prompts. Indonesia becomes the first country to deny all access to the tool.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"In order to protect women, children, and the public from the risks of fake pornographic content generated using the artificial intelligence technology, the government... has temporarily blocked access to the Grok application," Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said in a statement.</p><p><br>The ministry has also summoned officials from the social media platform X to seek clarification on the issue. Stating its position on the issue, Indonesia said, "The government views non-consensual deepfake practices as a serious violation of human rights, dignity, and the security of citizens in the digital space."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On Friday, the UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said that she would back the Office of Communications (Ofcom) if it blocks Elon Musk's social media site X for failing to comply with digital safety laws.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-s-hasty-military-reshuffle-signals-defeat-in-op-sindoor-cds-chauhan-operation-sindoor-military-reshuffle-asim-munir-1768045670350"><strong>Pakistan’s hurried military, constitutional restructuring is acknowledgement of defeat in Op Sindoor: CDS Chauhan</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier this month, India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) wrote a formal letter to X, raising serious lapses in statutory due diligence under the IT Act and IT rules. The ministry is also seeking the opinions of experts to initiate a legal action against X over obscene and sexually explicit content generated using its AI tool Grok.</p><p><br>Meanwhile, X restricted the controversial feature to paying subscribers, drawing sharp criticism over failing to address concerns about sexually explicit deepfake content.</p><p>Addressing the concerns, Elon Musk last week said anyone using "make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content," while describing some of the criticism as an “excuse for censorship.”</p>

UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said that she would back the Office of Communications (Ofcom) if it blocks Elon Musk's social media site X for failing to comply with digital safety laws.

Billionaire Elon Musk's Grok AI chatbot, which is embedded in social media platform X, came under intense scrutiny from governments across the world as the Indonesian government on Saturday (Jan 10) suspended Grok over concerns regarding AI-generated pornographic content, the country's communication and digital affairs minister said. Grok has faced backlash from many countries, including India and the United Kingdom, over its image creation feature that allowed users to sexualize and share pictures of women and children using simple text prompts. Indonesia becomes the first country to deny all access to the tool. "In order to protect women, children, and the public from the risks of fake pornographic content generated using the artificial intelligence technology, the government... has temporarily blocked access to the Grok application," Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said in a statement. The ministry has also summoned officials from the social media platform X to seek clarification on the issue. Stating its position on the issue, Indonesia said, "The government views non-consensual deepfake practices as a serious violation of human rights, dignity, and the security of citizens in the digital space." On Friday, the UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said that she would back the Office of Communications (Ofcom) if it blocks Elon Musk's social media site X for failing to comply with digital safety laws. Also Read: Pakistan’s hurried military, constitutional restructuring is acknowledgement of defeat in Op Sindoor: CDS Chauhan Earlier this month, India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) wrote a formal letter to X, raising serious lapses in statutory due diligence under the IT Act and IT rules. The ministry is also seeking the opinions of experts to initiate a legal action against X over obscene and sexually explicit content generated using its AI tool Grok. Meanwhile, X restricted the controversial feature to paying subscribers, drawing sharp criticism over failing to address concerns about sexually explicit deepfake content. Addressing the concerns, Elon Musk last week said anyone using "make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content," while describing some of the criticism as an “excuse for censorship.”

<p>UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said that she would back the Office of Communications (Ofcom) if it blocks Elon Musk's social media site X for failing to comply with digital safety laws.</p>

Grok controversy: Indonesia suspends Musk’s AI chatbot; UK considers banning X over sexualised AI images

<p>Iran’s biggest wave of protests in years took a deadly turn on Thursday (Jan 9) night as security forces opened fire in multiple cities, even as the government-imposed near-total communications blackout continued. A doctor in Tehran, speaking to TIME on condition of anonymity, said that just six hospitals in the capital had recorded at least 217 protester deaths, most caused by live ammunition.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-digital-blackout-crosses-12-hour-mark-internet-flatlines-at-1-as-protests-continue-to-rage-1767938781298"><strong>Iran’s digital blackout crosses 12-hour mark, internet flatlines at 1% as protests continue to rage</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2><p>Speaking to TIME, a Tehran doctor said that just six hospitals in the Iranian capital recorded at least 217 protestor deaths, "most by live ammunition". The alarming figure is yet to be confirmed by an official source.</p><p>However, if confirmed, the figure would mark a bloody crackdown in direct defiance of US President Donald Trump's warning that the regime would "pay hell" if it killed protestors.</p><p>The doctor told the publication that many of the bodies were removed from hospitals overnight, adding that most of those killed were young people. This, the doctor said, includes at least 30 people who were shot outside a northern Tehran police station when security forces sprayed machine gun fire at protesters, many of whom died "on the spot."</p><h2><strong>Iran continues to boil</strong></h2><p>What began on December 28 as demonstrations over a collapsing economy and a plunging currency has since spread to all 31 provinces. Protesters have increasingly shifted their demands, calling for the overthrow of the clerical leadership with chants such as "Freedom" and "Death to the Dictator," and some government buildings have been vandalised.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lost-a-major-trade-deal-because-of-no-call-from-modi-says-trump-aide-lutnick-1767944914723"><strong>India lost a major trade deal with US because of ‘no call from Modi’, says Trump aide Lutnick</strong></a></p><p>Human rights groups have so far reported significantly lower death tolls. The Human Rights Activist News Agency, which counts only identified victims, on Friday reported at least 63 deaths, including 49 civilians. TIME said it m the higher figures provided by medical sources.</p><p>Iranian authorities have issued increasingly blunt warnings. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that the state would not retreat in the face of "vandals," while Tehran’s prosecutor warned protesters could face the death penalty. An Islamic Revolutionary Guard official has also told parents on state television to keep children off the streets, adding chillingly "If... a bullet hits you, don’t complain".</p>

Iran’s protests turned bloodier overnight as security forces allegedly opened fire across cities under an internet blackout. A Tehran doctor claims that over 200 deaths have been recorded in six hospitals alone. 

Iran’s biggest wave of protests in years took a deadly turn on Thursday (Jan 9) night as security forces opened fire in multiple cities, even as the government-imposed near-total communications blackout continued. A doctor in Tehran, speaking to TIME on condition of anonymity, said that just six hospitals in the capital had recorded at least 217 protester deaths, most caused by live ammunition. Also read | Iran’s digital blackout crosses 12-hour mark, internet flatlines at 1% as protests continue to rage What happened? Speaking to TIME, a Tehran doctor said that just six hospitals in the Iranian capital recorded at least 217 protestor deaths, "most by live ammunition". The alarming figure is yet to be confirmed by an official source. However, if confirmed, the figure would mark a bloody crackdown in direct defiance of US President Donald Trump's warning that the regime would "pay hell" if it killed protestors. The doctor told the publication that many of the bodies were removed from hospitals overnight, adding that most of those killed were young people. This, the doctor said, includes at least 30 people who were shot outside a northern Tehran police station when security forces sprayed machine gun fire at protesters, many of whom died "on the spot." Iran continues to boil What began on December 28 as demonstrations over a collapsing economy and a plunging currency has since spread to all 31 provinces. Protesters have increasingly shifted their demands, calling for the overthrow of the clerical leadership with chants such as "Freedom" and "Death to the Dictator," and some government buildings have been vandalised. Also read | India lost a major trade deal with US because of ‘no call from Modi’, says Trump aide Lutnick Human rights groups have so far reported significantly lower death tolls. The Human Rights Activist News Agency, which counts only identified victims, on Friday reported at least 63 deaths, including 49 civilians. TIME said it m the higher figures provided by medical sources. Iranian authorities have issued increasingly blunt warnings. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that the state would not retreat in the face of "vandals," while Tehran’s prosecutor warned protesters could face the death penalty. An Islamic Revolutionary Guard official has also told parents on state television to keep children off the streets, adding chillingly "If... a bullet hits you, don’t complain".

<p>Iran’s protests turned bloodier overnight as security forces allegedly opened fire across cities under an internet blackout. A Tehran doctor claims that over 200 deaths have been recorded in six hospitals alone.&nbsp;</p>

Under blackout, Iran's streets run red: Tehran doctor says at least 217 killed as regime opens fire on protestors - Report

<p>A small passenger aircraft operating an IndiaOne Air flight crashed in Odisha on Saturday (Jan 10), triggering an emergency response from local authorities and aviation officials. The nine-seater plane was flying from Rourkela to Bhubaneswar when it went down roughly 10 to 15 kilometres from Rourkela. Officials said the cause of the crash is not yet known and will be investigated. The flight is believed to be a scheduled service between Rourkela and Bhubaneswar operated by a private company.</p><h2><strong>Injured taken to hospital</strong></h2><p>Preliminary information suggests there were seven people on board at the time of the incident, including six passengers and the pilot. Rescue teams, as per reports, managed to pull passengers from the wreckage. The survivors have been taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Officials have not yet released details about the condition of those injured.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-blocks-pakistani-outlet-asia-one-channel-known-for-spreading-propaganda-1768037887207"><strong>India blocks Pakistani outlet Asia One channel, known for spreading propaganda</strong></a></p><p>In a statement, Odisha's Commerce and Transport minister BB Jena confirmed that a crash happened near Rourkela. He said that an “A-1 nine-seater private flight carrying six passengers from Rourkela to Bhubaneswar has met with an accident. The passengers have sustained minor injuries and are stable. It took place at Jalda, 10 kilometres from Rourkela.” He added that "By the grace of God, this is not a major accident."&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Director of Biju Patnaik International Airport, Prasanna Pradhan, told reporters that, "The flight was on its way from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela. It made a crash landing 10 km before Rourkela. There were 4 passengers and 2 crew members. All are safe. The flight is India One Airlines. The number of the light is C-208."&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/under-blackout-iran-s-streets-run-red-tehran-doctor-says-at-least-217-killed-as-regime-opens-fire-on-protestors-report-1768040473068"><strong>Under blackout, Iran's streets run red: Tehran doctor says at least 217 killed as regime opens fire on protestors - Report</strong></a></p>

Small passenger plane with seven people onboard crashes in Odisha, emergency response underway

A small passenger aircraft operating an IndiaOne Air flight crashed in Odisha on Saturday (Jan 10), triggering an emergency response from local authorities and aviation officials. The nine-seater plane was flying from Rourkela to Bhubaneswar when it went down roughly 10 to 15 kilometres from Rourkela. Officials said the cause of the crash is not yet known and will be investigated. The flight is believed to be a scheduled service between Rourkela and Bhubaneswar operated by a private company. Injured taken to hospital Preliminary information suggests there were seven people on board at the time of the incident, including six passengers and the pilot. Rescue teams, as per reports, managed to pull passengers from the wreckage. The survivors have been taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Officials have not yet released details about the condition of those injured. Also read | India blocks Pakistani outlet Asia One channel, known for spreading propaganda In a statement, Odisha's Commerce and Transport minister BB Jena confirmed that a crash happened near Rourkela. He said that an “A-1 nine-seater private flight carrying six passengers from Rourkela to Bhubaneswar has met with an accident. The passengers have sustained minor injuries and are stable. It took place at Jalda, 10 kilometres from Rourkela.” He added that "By the grace of God, this is not a major accident." Meanwhile, Director of Biju Patnaik International Airport, Prasanna Pradhan, told reporters that, "The flight was on its way from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela. It made a crash landing 10 km before Rourkela. There were 4 passengers and 2 crew members. All are safe. The flight is India One Airlines. The number of the light is C-208." Also read | Under blackout, Iran's streets run red: Tehran doctor says at least 217 killed as regime opens fire on protestors - Report

<p>Small passenger plane with seven people onboard crashes in Odisha, emergency response underway</p>

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Small passenger plane with seven people onboard crashes in Odisha